In Kitchen Witchcraft: Crystal Magic, best-selling author Rachel Patterson looks at some of the more commonly available crystals and presents them in a magical light! Combining an extensive reference section along with topics such as how to work with crystals for magical purpose, connecting with crystal magical energy, which crystals to use for specific magical intent, creating crystal spell grids and using crystals for divination, Crystal Magic is an essential book for the modern Kitchen Witch. Crystal Magic is the third in a series of books that delve 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 Spells and Charms, Garden Magic and The Elements.
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.
A fantastic reference book about crystals. Covers all the basics, lots of reference information, tips, spells, etc. It's a great book that I will highly recommend as a practical and reference book to have on hand. A must on any witch's shelf.
Also one thing I would like to point out a MAJOR PRAISE the author is something that is so rarely seen on any books: information on how to cleanse and clean each crystal!! This is so rare but so amazing. Many crystals cannot be placed underwater or under direct sunlight because it's damaging. But the author takes the time and care to mention that and provide alternatives for cleaning and cleansing the crystals. The author also mentions a safe alternative to Crystal Elixirs that do not involve direct contact with the water! This is so good and so rare, I think it deserves tons of praise and it's what ups it to 5* in my book.
A wonderful guide to the world of crystals, with everything you need whether you're a new witch, an experienced practitioner, or just want something pretty to put in your home.
I think my favourite thing about Rachel's books is how she continually emphasis that her experience is hers and the reader should do what feels right for them. It's hard to pick one favourite thing, though, because this book is filled with brilliant things. I can definitely see myself returning to it to look things up or prepare spells or cleanse crystals.
My only (tiny!) gripe is that there are no pictures. It would be lovely to see the crystals she's talking about. But she describes them very well and it's only a tiny thing.
I will be returning to this one, and watching out for more from Rachel.
Really enjoyed this book and liked the information introduced. Some basic crystals introduced. Mostly a book giving a few topics relating to crystal magic. Great read.
I feel as if this book was created to give you a better understanding of how to have a personal relationship with your crystals. "Kitchen Witchcraft: Crystal Magic", by Rachel Patterson is a wonderful book full of helpful tips on taking care of your crystals as individual energy sources.
The author does a wonderful job explaining how each crystal is different and how they react differently to each individual. I found it fascinating how she describes crystals in two categories, receptive and projective. Receptive crystals have a calming effect, good for emotional issues, while projective crystals radiate positive energy for protection and healing.
This book is very useful for spellcrafting and meditation. You will find information on creating talismans during certain moon phases and how the shapes of crystals can make a big difference depending on what the intention is for them. The color of a crystal can also make a difference in how you use them, for various types of spells, just as you would choose the color of your candle for a specific intention.
The second part of the book is filled with information on crystals as divination tools, and an explanation of how to use a crystal grid, meditation beads, candle magic, spells and crystal associations with the zodiac as well as different moon phases.
My favorite part of this book was the crystal discovery meditation. Very calming and cleansing as the author guides you through a cave filled with crystals illuminated by torches. You experience the coolness of the cave, the sounds, colors and vibrations of the crystals. Just wonderful.
The back of the book is an alphabetical list of crystals, their energy, element, planet and zodiac association. A brief description of each crystal, how to cleanse it and divination uses.
I highly recommend "Kitchen Witchcraft: Crystal Magic", by Rachel Patterson, for anyone who wants to develop a personal relationship with their crystals.
I recently started my journey with crystals so I am always looking at books to find ones that are good resources and organized well. Kitchen Witchcraft : Crystal Magic is one such book. Rachel Patterson starts off with the history of crystals and shares with the reader that crystals are more than just pretty stones.
All of the information that Rachel Patterson includes is wonderful, and I can see long time crystal users picking up some new tips and information. After the introduction to crystals, Patterson has so much more information to share including; Cleansing Crystals, Crystals and Full Moons, Meditating with Crystals, Crystal Bling, Using Crystals with Poppets, Witch Bottles, and Mojo Bags, and so much more.
With each crystal Patterson includes the crystal’s Magical Properties, Energy, Element, Planet, and Zodiac sign. She also shares what the crystal is best used for, since most crystals can be used for more than one reason. The Suggested Cleansing and Divination Meaning rounds out each crystal’s entry.
At the end there is an alphabetical list of outcomes that you may be looking for with a spell or in meditating, and which crystal can help assist you. Memory, Money, Moon Magic, Motivation, etc… are just a few examples. This part I found really helpful since you can go directly to the intention and find the crystals needed, instead of going through page after page.
I’m looking forward to the release date of December 1st, 2019 because whenever I find a good reference book, I always buy a print copy. I just find them easier for myself to use. So an early Yule gift for me!
Rachel Patterson is back with her third book in the Kitchen Witchcraft series, Crystal Magic. This is a fantastically accessible guide to crystals and their use in magic. Though slim, this book is packed full of information, advice, and encouragement with Patterson’s trademark warmth and experience shining through the pages.
The book begins with an exploration of what crystals are, where they come from, and how they can be used in magic. Patterson then guides the reader in choosing, cleansing, and connecting with their crystals. She also offers a quick explanation of crystal sizes and shapes, and how certain crystals can cancel each other out. Colour magic is also featured, along with chakras and some basic information about crystal healing.
In terms of magic, Patterson offers lots of advice and information, covering witch bottles, spell pouches and poppets, scrying, meditation, divination, and more. She also discusses working with crystals and children, animals, and the environment. I appreciated the lists towards the back of the book regarding zodiac stones, moon phases, intention, colour, elemental affiliation, and so on. The discovery meditation and spells section were a nice touch, and I found this to be a thorough and comprehensive guide. Recommended.
I received an e-ARC from the publisher, Moon Books, through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A relatively short read with only 152 pages on the paperback version, but still packed with information from top to bottom.
The author starts by sharing the very basics of crystal magic. Including topics like cleansing crystals, choosing your crystals, connecting with their energy and more.
As the book progresses more advance topics are being presented to the reader, that go beyond focusing only on crystals, but adding how to work with crystals in various areas of magic. Chakras, spells, pendulums, and runes are just but a fraction of what this book discusses in its pages.
The emphasis the author places in explaining that her experiences are not the only way and encouraging the reader to follow one's intuition is refreshing and makes you feel at ease when encountering practices that one might perform in a different manner.
The book continues adding information about crystal’s Magical Properties, Energy, Element, Planet, and Zodiac sign.
As you can see, despite the limited pages contained in the book the information included is rather wide and varied. Which in my opinion makes a nice addition to any witch's library or for anyone interested in crystals and how to work with them.
The only downside to this book is the lack of images and photographs.
Thank you to John Hunt Publishing /Moon Books for a digital edition via NetGalley of ‘Kitchen Witchcraft: Crystal Magic’ by Rachel Patterson in exchange for an honest review.
This is the third in Rachel Patterson’s Kitchen Witchcraft series and she also has an impressive back catalogue on similar subjects.
She writes in an accessible, down-to-earth style and provides plenty of information on how to work with crystals in magical practice. While primarily written for beginners, there is plenty to interest the more experienced practitioner.
It is a very practical guide and contains an extensive reference section on various types of crystals and how to work with them magically.
I was a little disappointed that there were no pictures though I imagine that including them would have pushed up the production costs and price considerably. It’s easy enough to search for images online.
This was an incredibly helpful guide to using crystals in your witchcraft. Rachel Patterson takes the reader through what each crystal is useful for, as well as it's planetary, elemental, and zodiac alignments. She also gives helpful advice, rituals, and meditations. This is an excellent reference guide for any new or experienced practitioner.
One of the things I truly appreciate about her books is that she teaches you don't have to have a lot of money to practice witchcraft. She reminds the reader to use what you can: tumbled stones, pebbles or rocks found outside, all the way to precious gemstones.
She takes you through the proper cleansing and charging rituals as well. This book is everything you need to start incorporating crystals into your practice.
I love Rachel Patterson's books and I loved this one. It's interesting and informative and full of hints and advice. I love her style of writing and how the book is organised. A useful and interesting read, highly recommended. Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
Although this was a very good book. I think this one would be better suited for beginners. If you are just starting out with crystal magic I would recommend this one to you. It had a great start and overview for those who are just starting out. From intent to more.
This was a really good introduction to crystal magic, especially for a reluctant dabbler like me. Well rounded information and clear lists of correspondences make this a good reference addition to any metaphysical shelf, and Patterson's chatty writing style makes it easy to both read and follow.
Thank you to netgalley for this ARC! I am fairly new to crystals and this was really well written and informative. Easy to follow for a novice like me!
Kitchen Witchcraft Crystal Magic by Rachel Patterson Book Review by Dawn Thomas
152 Pages Publisher: John Hunt Publishing Ltd / Moon Books Release Date: November 29, 2019
Religion & Spirituality
This is the third book in the Kitchen Witchcraft book series. This is a small book packed full of information. She begins at the beginning with the cycle of rock. She discusses the ethical importance of collecting crystals and the energy within each stone. She describes the different categories of crystals, gemstones, and stones along with the choices of polished or raw stones and different shapes.
There is a section on maintaining your crystals which includes many ways to clean them along with charging them depending on the type of stone. There are lists of specific practical and magical uses for different crystals with jewelry and divination. I am intrigued at her suggestion of using crystals in place of tarot cards and creating layouts. She gives steps to create a crystal grid using sacred geometry.
The author has a very easy writing style making it easy to understand the information presented. She provides scientific information with her own opinion sprinkled throughout. The second half of the book is a reference section with in-depth information on individual crystals. This is a thorough book on crystals and would be an asset on any stone lover’s bookshelf.
I adore this series of Kitchen witchcraft books by Rachel Patterson. The content is always thorough, yet very easy to digest and apply. Rachel's voice is extremely welcoming, it's like speaking with a good friend. She approaches witchcraft with a sense of fun, while still being respectful and it's so authentic. This book covers a variety of crystal practices, cleansing/programing/spellwork. There's also a glossary in the back that covers a number of stones properties, spell uses and general information. Even though I was quite familiar with this topic, I still loved the reading experience and would highly recommend this book. I would be especially helpful to newbies to working with and learning about crystals!
Having read the majority of Rachels book I knew even before reading this one that it would be good.
Full of great advice and helpful ideas along with so much information on crystals with how to cleanse then, what to use them for and how to get the best from them. Definatel;y a book you will go back to again and again for reference.
Thanks to Netgalley and Moon Books (John Hunt Pubishing) for the ARC. My review is my own opinion.
This was an easy read for an introduction to crystals without treating the reader as an absolute beginner on magick. There is a great list of correspondences and beginner spells at the end of the book that I greatly appreciate! I think the only thing missing from this book was perhaps images, but for all of the other information, I greatly enjoyed the book.