Kitchen Witchcraft: Spells & Charms

by Rachel Patterson

There are a lot of things in the universe that we don’t understand. When something is meant to happen, it will whether you cast a spell or not. But you can help it on its way by guiding and encouraging it and maybe even tweaking events a little too. A spell can be worked in many ways, from a simple pointing of the finger to a complicated ritual involving lots of herbs and crystals and, of course, any variation in between. What will happen for sure is the boost of confidence and happy buzz you will receive as you cast the spell, as well as the positive vibe you get from putting something into action. Kitchen Spells & Charms is a the first in a series of books which delves into the world of the Kitchen Witch. Each book breaks down the whys and wherefores of the subject and includes practical guides and exercises. Other titles include Garden Magic, Altars & Rituals and The Elements.

Genres: Witchcraft, Nonfiction

146 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 27, 2018

About the author

Rachel is an English witch who has been walking the Pagan pathway for over thirty years.

A working wife and mother who has had over 30 books published (so far), some of them becoming best sellers.

Her passion is to learn, she loves to study and has done so from books, online resources, schools and wonderful mentors over the years and still continues to learn each and every day but has learnt the most from actually getting outside and doing it.

She likes to laugh...and eat cake...

Rachel gives talks to pagan groups and co-runs workshops with the Kitchen Witch Coven.

High Priestess of the Kitchen Witch Coven and an Elder at the online Kitchen Witch School of Natural Witchcraft.

A regular columnist with Fate & Fortune magazine, she also contributes articles to several magazines such as Pagan Dawn and Witchcraft & Wicca. You will find her regular ramblings on her own personal blog and YouTube channel.
Rachel is host for the Pagan Portals Podcast, produced by Moon Books Publishing.

​Her craft is a combination of old religion witchcraft, Wicca, hedge witchery, kitchen witchery and folk magic.

Her heart is that of an English Kitchen Witch.

​Rachel was added to the Watkins '100 spiritually influential List' for 2023.



For more information www.rachelpatterson.co.uk and www.kitchenwitchhearth.net

She lives in Portsmouth, England.

Website: www.rachelpatterson.co.uk

Personal blog https://www.rachelpatterson.co.uk/blog

You Tube:
her YouTube channel features lots of videos with talks, information and short reference films.
https://www.youtube.com/user/Kitchenw...

Social Media:
Personal Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/racheltansyp...
Author fb page https://www.facebook.com/RachelPatter...
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/racheltansy...
Twitter https://twitter.com/TansyFireDragon
Kitchen Witch fb group https://www.facebook.com/groups/kitch...

Reviews

[8stitches 9lives · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wouldn't usually have gone in to read this one but I was intrigued as to what it would suggest and so here we are. It isn't really a book you would read from cover to cover but one that is more of a reference guide that you can dip in and out of when necessary. Although I am not what would be classed, in any way, as a witch, I do feel that there are many many forces in this world that we are yet to comprehend and, due to that, I wouldn't rule anything out.

I am not a religious person and would much rather believe in forces of good than believe in and worship a god. I am a spiritual person so this appeals to me more than a religious text would. Religion, in my opinion, is nothing but a method to control and manipulate the masses. I don't have a problem with those who do follow a religion as I respect everyone is different and if that brings you comfort and peace then I don't blame those who feel like that and worship that force. I think that denying the existence of magic is the same as denying the existence of a god - there is no way to know either way so impartiality is the way to go in my view. Wow, that became incredibly heavy all of a sudden... Onwards...

I mean what can be the harm in having a book that helps you to cast spells that may improve your life, not due to the "magic" of the spell but because in doing so you are thinking about the things that are important to you that you wish to change - that is the first real step in moving towards making that change for the better.

This is an ideal book for those seeking to help push their lives into new and better territory and perfect for those who truly believe in magic and witchcraft. Rachel Patterson seems to have other titles in this vein which would be worth a look too. One of the great things about this book is that the ingredients you need for the spells are items that most people will have at home anyway, that makes it accessible and easy for the casters to gather everything needed without spending a fortune.

I would like to thank Rachel Patterson, John Hunt Publishing Ltd and NetGalley for inviting me to read and review an ARC of this title. All my opinions are honest and my own.

[Kirsty ❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love exploring different books with the ARCs from netgalley and this one looked really intriguing.

This is a great book for anyone looking to make positive changes to their lives that have a passion for magic and witchcraft. One thing I did like was that the ingredients you need for the spells are items are ones that most people will have at home anyway making it easy to gather everything needed without spending a fortune.

A really interesting read and I may give one or two recipes a tray!

Free arc from netgalley

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a great little book for both beginners and those a little more experienced in the craft. An excellent mix of knowledge and spell "recipes". It doesn't shy away from more controversial topics like hexing or curses but advises readers to do so at their own risk.

I learnt a thing or two myself reading this and have little stickers in the book pointing me to things I want to try or research in the future.

Fab little book for picking up bits of information, would recommend to people new to spell craft.

[Lora Milton · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's refreshing to see a book of this nature start with warnings about allergies and toxicity when working with herbs or essential oils. This is so often missed out! It's the first book of a series that looks very interesting for beginners.

The tone is like one of those teenage witchcraft books, but there is some good information and from more modern paths included that you don't often see in Wicca/Witchcraft books, like a very basic explanation of sigil magic.

There were a few things I would disagree with, like being very specific when doing a spell to get a job. If you target just one application, you don't leave room for other opportunities to pop up out of nowhere! And some of the correspondences didn't sit quite right, though these will always bring disagreement. The lists looked more like examples and weren't extensive.

Overall I found it light on instruction. Someone wanting to construct a formal spell will have to look elsewhere for details, but there are a lot of books on the market for that. The one worrying thing is that although how to banish something from your life was mentioned, there was nothing about banishing residual energies after doing a spell.

What it was strong on was folk magic spells. There were a lot of examples for how to apply these to various purposes and a lot of definitions for forms of magic, if only partial information on how to do them. There was also a lot of "use your intuition" and plugs for the author's other books, as well as a story told about a candle flame gone wrong that could have been avoided by using a proper candle holder. This surprised me after the good advice at the beginning about toxicity safety.

Overall I think it would make a good first book for someone who wants to dip their toe into magic and see how it sits without getting into too much trouble. I'd still like to have seen more detailed information about how to clear unwanted energies, just in case.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kitchen Witchcraft: Spells & Charms by Rachel Patterson This is one of those books you keep around and pull up when you are lookigng to help make a difference. It is not a book you read from cover to cover then forget about. It is more of a reference book.
 
If you like magic and witch craft this is a very good book. It is good for beginners as well. Mot of the items used in the spells are in most peoples homes already or are very easy to obtain with a trip to Wal-Mart or the grocery store. The wording used in the book is easy to understand, and the spells are easy to cast.
 
I enjoyed the variety of instances that the spells can be used for. This is not a book of spells just for love , money, or good health.
 
I received this book from the Author or Publisher via Netgalley.com and chose to leave this review.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant as are all of her previous books. Full of interesting facts written in a way that is like having a conversation with the author. Totally recommend this book

[Ionia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. The author seems very down to earth and friendly and her writing is charming--no pun intended.

What set this book apart from other similar books, in my opinion, is that the author stresses to the reader that for one thing, they do not have to do things exactly as she does. She encourages her readers to find their own path in magical working and listen to their internal voice to do what feels right. She also makes the ingredients and objects required for the working of magic seem more accessible by reinforcing that you don't have to use the most expensive things out there to make a spell work.

This is a very positive book that makes you feel good when you read it. There are times when the author is funny, explaining some of her mishaps and little accidents and times when she makes her readers stop and reflect on their lives, their goals and dreams and what they want to accomplish. The advice for spells and incantations that she provides are useful. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone wishing to know more about adding a bit of positive energy into their kitchen.

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

[wonderfullyweird88 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be an excellent reference book for beginners. The author uses simple informative language that is perfect for beginners. The ingredients are easily sourced, and most are things you would have around the house.

The author also encourages experimentation, finding what works best for you and using your intuition which I liked. She gives anecdotes of her own mishaps and does cover hexes however adds a word of caution.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. For more reviews please visit my blog:
http://www.wonderfullyweird88.com/

[Dyanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kitchen Witchcraft Spells & Charms offer advice to beginners that allow them to understand the workings of magic. The author shares her experiences and beliefs with absolute candor. She lets you know that you can adhere to strict ways of doing magic or you can take a more laid back relaxed approach. The author makes sure you understand that she is offering guidelines, not concrete rules of how to do things. She emphasizes the importance of putting your own signature on your magic.
The book is a simple to follow step by step guide that introduces you to correspondences and show you how to do simple spells and charms using the ingredients that you have on hand. It is an easy fun read, with an explanation for everything that you need to know to do successful magic. The author makes it very clear that you can do successful magic without buying a lot of expensive ingredients. I enjoyed reading the book and found much of the information on correspondences helpful.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I received this book free for review I would 100% recommend and purchase this book for myself. I loved that Rachel's writing and teachings came across as having a talk with a sister or good friend. She makes a topic that can be intimidating or not something you could incorporate in your everyday life and makes it approachable. I know that I could complete the spells and rituals she discusses in the the book and she gives you the encouragement to actually but your spin on them.
This book is a great reference to spell casting and witchcraft in general and I feel like it would become something you'd reach fro time and again. I look forward to getting my own copy and reading more from the Kitchen Witchcraft series.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books you keep around and pull up when you are lookigng to help make a difference. It is not a book you read from cover to cover then forget about. It is more of a reference book.

If you like magic and witch craft this is a very good book. It is good for beginners as well. Mot of the items used in the spells are in most peoples homes already or are very easy to obtain with a trip to Wal-Mart or the grocery store. The wording used in the book is easy to understand, and the spells are easy to cast.

I enjoyed the variety of instances that the spells can be used for. This is not a book of spells just for love , money, or good health.

I received this book from the Author or Publisher via Netgalley.com and chose to leave this review.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not a kitchen witch (at least I don't consider myself one), but I've always been fascinated with kitchen witchcraft. This is a great reference, and inspired me to add a little magic into my kitchen workings. What I LOVED though is this book doesn't just focus on the good - it also covers the darker side of magic (with a warning of course). Honestly that's what tipped this book into the five-star category for me. I appreciate when authors don't just go the 'love and light' only course.

[Tiffany Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kitchen Witchcraft: Spells & Charms is an interesting little book that guides you to do simple spells and charms from one's home. I enjoyed it and would recommend it for those wanting to learn simple spells and charms.

[January Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was okay. I really don't want to say much because it simply wasn't up my alley but I'm really certain others will like it, so I want to be fair.

[Orláith · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who has never read any books on witchcraft, I really enjoyed this book!
It's very well written and easy for even a complete novice to follow.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kitchen Witchcraft: Spells & Charms by Rachel Patterson is a book you want to keep close to hand as it will be used frequently as a hands on reference. It explains how to cast spells in easy terms. From money spells and love spells to what to do with the leftovers from your workings. Using what you have instead of going out and spending a lot of money is also part of what makes this book very usable.. Using different phases of the moon, charging and recharging magical objects, charms as opposed to amulets are just a few of the many subjects taught. This author has written one of the best books on this subject and one I think that should be in everyone's library. Being High Priestess of the Kitchen Witch Coven and an Elder at the online Wyrd Witches/ Kitchen Witch School makes her an authority on the subject. I received this book from Net Galley for an honest review.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative and engaging, especially helpful for those beginning to walk down this path. I enjoyed this book very much. I voluntarily read this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one, I read her other Kitchen Witchcraft book and liked it too. Easily able to switch them and make them your own.

[Destinee Helton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and I have found it very helpful in my understanding of kitchen witchcraft. This book has a very personal feel. The author connects to the reader through her word choice and voice in the text.

[Tracy Marrs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kitchen Witchcraft Spells & Charms is a simple to follow step by step informative guide that shows you how to do simple spells or charms with the ingredients right in your kitchen cabinet. So easy to read and self explanatory from moon phases to recharging items and so much more. I received an advanced copy of this book through Netgalley but the review is voluntary.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read all books by Rachel Patterson and always enjoyed them.
This one was no exception!
I love her explenations and examples, very clear and useful, and her style of writing so warm and personal
This book is highly recommended.
Many thanks to John Hunt Publishing Ltd and Netgalley for this ARC

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel Patterson is a prolific writer, having been the sole author on 12 books previous to this lucky 13 -- and that’s not even accounting for the several books she has co-authored or contributed to. Despite the copious amount of written material that Patterson has produced, I felt less that I was reading a book and more that I was sitting down with a dear friend over a cuppa, discussing our craft as witches. Her style is warm, welcoming, and generous while also gently guiding and suggesting ways of channeling intent into change. As the High Priestess of the Kitchen Witch Coven and Elder at the Kitchen Witch School of Natural Witchcraft, her advice comes from years of experience, study, and practice.

“I like simple. I like practical. I like hassle-free spellwork. If I see a spell that lists 57 different ingredients and takes four hours to set up I am very unlikely to even read past the first page let alone attempt it.”

One of the things I like so much about this book is how accessible it is. Rachel Patterson is a witch after my own magical heart. Perhaps as a hearth witch I am connecting to her no frills kitchen witch style, perhaps we are truly the kindred spirits I believe us to be. Either way, every page of this book was a delight. Her take on magic in general (”If I have an issue or problem I tend to look for the mundane solution first”), her position on curses (”...It’s not my place to judge or tell you what you can and can’t do. Just make sure you think it through properly and be mindful of any return”), and even spells more broadly (”Although it’s part of my way of life to do so it is not something I do every single day”) the style of witchcraft portrayed in the book is a near-perfect overlay for my own: Simple, accessible, and to the point.

But back to the book. Patterson gives the ubiquitous overview of what magic is, her take on magical ethics (cautious but never preachy), and then gives an outline for how to create your own spell. The three steps are, in a nutshell, determine your purpose (e.g., finding the perfect job), set your intent (and make sure you’re willing and ready to follow the spell with good old elbow grease and do the mundane stuff too), and then fill in the details. This is followed by a section on different kinds of spells -- everything from witch bottles to knot magic to candle spells -- and the basics of how to work each one. She also includes several lists throughout the book of correspondences -- herbs, colors, crystals, tarot cards, etc. However, she always emphasizes that these correspondences are ways to layer your intent, so the most important thing is that they are associations that you hold personally.

Finally, the entire second half of the book is chock full of spells. Fertility spells, banishing spells, the basics of curses and hexes, healing spells, spells for getting a new job... There are so many, y’all. And they’re wonderful! She reminds us throughout to “layer” our intent when working magic; the moon phase during which we should work a spell is never prescribed, but she offers ideas of when each phase might correspond to a given intent. Herbs might be suggested, particular crystals advised, but she encourages the practitioner to always use what they have to hand and what feels right to them.

I have said in the past that there are few books about magic and witchcraft that I would recommend without reservation, but this may be one! There are a couple of times Patterson mentions working with Ganesha and Lakshmi, but only in passing as part of her own private practice. She uses the term “smudging” which, in my understanding, refers specifically to the First Nations/Native American practice, but never suggests using it as anything other than smoke cleansing.**

Honestly the biggest critique I have is hardly a critique at all, and it’s only to say that there was less kitchen-specific witchery in the book than I anticipated given the title. The emphasis on small daily practice certainly is consistent with kitchen and hearth craft, but I guess I expected more of an emphasis on food magic or something. That observation notwithstanding, this book was a delight from beginning to end, and I am certain I will go back to it again and again, in addition to seeking out more of Patterson’s work for my own reading pleasure and personal craft.

Bottom line - 5/5 stars, would absolutely recommend. Get thee to a bookstore!

[Jackie Lantern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very thorough how-to guide with a multiplicity of types of charms for all situations. Recommended! Perfect for beginners or existing practitioners. I look forward to more by this author.

[Alina · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting books with lots spells , easy to follow even if you are a beginner .The book also guides you on how to make your very own good luck and protection charms.

[Dawn Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kitchen Witchcraft Spells and Charms by Rachel Patterson
Review by Dawn Thomas

144 Pages
Publisher: John Hunt Publishing Ltd / Moon Books
Release Date: July 27, 2018

Religion, Spirituality, Magic, Wicca, Witchcraft

I have read and reviewed many of Rachel’s books. She has an easy to read writing style. She provides the information is simple terms. Most of the ingredients are readily available and directions are not difficult to follow. The author gives advice, suggestions and warnings about using certain spells. She reminds us that you sometimes get what you ask for whether it is really, what you wanted. The book covers the following topics.

Kitchen witchcraft spells and charms
Working with the Craft
Correspondences
Kitchen Witch magic cauldron of spells & charms
Curses, Hexing and Binding
Love spells
Employment spells
Healing spells
Fertility spells
Banishing and releasing spells
House and home spells
General spells

For a small book, it is chock full of information. This would be an excellent beginner’s book but also a good addition to an experience practitioner.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC for a fair and honest review of this book.
This book has a little of everything -- candle magick, sympathetic magick, knot magick, binding, banishing, and cursing. Many varied folk magick techniques are covered including spell powders, poppets, honey bottles, mojo bags, fetishes, petition papers, and sigils. Wow! It’s a mouth full.
The spells are varied and eclectic -- not unlike any serious cook’s recipe box. In addition to common spells used in witchcraft, it also references other magickal practices, like those used in root work, Voodoun, and even Hinduism.
I was pleased with the amount of folk magic included in these pages – and Patterson didn’t shrink from the types of magick addressed. It includes some intriguing spells, like to aid in banishing depression, to silence gossip, and soak up pain. There’s a great section on correspondences that includes timing the type of magick being worked.
Other reviewers felt this book was not to be read in its entirety, but used as a reference. I have a different opinion. Beginners without a general understanding of magickal principles would fail to learn what is interspersed throughout these pages. For instance, Patterson cautions the reader from attempting to do a spell when angry, tired or feeling unwell in one place, why you should never draw energy from your own body in another.
I didn’t care for what I felt were conflicting messages. For instance, I feel there may be legitimate reasons to not buy expensive ingredients for a spell nor wear expensive ceremonial robes, but the excuse the author uses of being ‘fairly lazy’ is not one of them. Patterson advises using your intuition and being guided by your instincts when working magic. Good advice, but I would have liked to have seen more written about when to rely on that intuition and when to look up the proper herbs and colors of candle to use. Sure, the answer is often “it depends” and results may even change based on the circumstances, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a reason things occurred as they did.
Guidelines for magickal practices are given throughout the book, like the importance of a caster’s commitment to the working and setting a time frame for a work to manifest. Rachel Patterson gives great instructions for establishing a solid intent before-hand and writing it down – the who, what, where, why, when, and how of it.
If you are an experienced spell caster, this book is full of folk magick techniques that are varied and fascinating. Have fun giving it a read!

[KatsCauldron R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kitchen Witchcraft: Spells & Charms
by Rachel Patterson
John Hunt Publishing Ltd
Moon Books
Religion & Spirituality
This was one of the books that didn't load properly on Adobe but I saw enough t like it, some history and good ideas as well as a nice home basis of herbs