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Backyard Witchcraft: The Complete Guide for the Green Witch, the Kitchen Witch, and the Hedge Witch
Embark on an exploration of modern-day witchcraft, embracing the green path, which connects us to nature. Herbalist Cecilia Lattari guides readers to reawaken their inner witch by tuning in to the magic and sacred energies of their everyday lives, using the hidden powers of nature to foster positive connections between mind, body, and spirit and living spaces. Filled with colorful, compelling illustrations, this handbook introduces green, hedge, and kitchen witches. Readers will learn how to create their own witch’s tool kits, purify their homes, work with the four natural elements, build magic laboratories, and discover the path that encourages a harmonious transformation.
160 pages, Paperback
Published September 14, 2022
32 people are currently reading
2811 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
September 21, 2022
I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher as part of an Instagram book tour I did for TLC Book Tours.
This was an informative book centering on three types of witches: the green witch, the kitchen witch, and the hedge witch. It discussed each type of witch and some of their particulars, like what tools they each use. The book also had an abundance of information on general witchcraft. For example, there is a chapter on purifying your home. I learned quite a bit, like how the moon affects plant growth (there is science to back that up). That being said this book is very focused on green witchcraft, so if you are looking for something more broader, this book won’t be for you.
The best part of the book were the illustrations. This book is loaded with pictures to showcase exactly what the book is talking about such as plants. The illustrations were also just a nice aesthetic touch. The pictures made the book feel very cozy and homey which made it an inviting read.
The book lacks a concluding chapter, something I always like to see in a nonfiction book. I would have liked to seen a short chapter with some final thoughts about the practice of witchcraft.
Overall, this is a beautiful witchy reference book! If you are interested in learning more about green witchcraft, then consider checking this book out!
This was an informative book centering on three types of witches: the green witch, the kitchen witch, and the hedge witch. It discussed each type of witch and some of their particulars, like what tools they each use. The book also had an abundance of information on general witchcraft. For example, there is a chapter on purifying your home. I learned quite a bit, like how the moon affects plant growth (there is science to back that up). That being said this book is very focused on green witchcraft, so if you are looking for something more broader, this book won’t be for you.
The best part of the book were the illustrations. This book is loaded with pictures to showcase exactly what the book is talking about such as plants. The illustrations were also just a nice aesthetic touch. The pictures made the book feel very cozy and homey which made it an inviting read.
The book lacks a concluding chapter, something I always like to see in a nonfiction book. I would have liked to seen a short chapter with some final thoughts about the practice of witchcraft.
Overall, this is a beautiful witchy reference book! If you are interested in learning more about green witchcraft, then consider checking this book out!
November 23, 2022
Light on information, but beautifully illustrated
June 6, 2024
Ho poco da dire su questo libro.
Mi è piaciuto molto, bellissime le illustrazioni e anche molto interessante da leggere.
Comprato al salone del libro e non mi pento assolutamente.
Mi è piaciuto molto, bellissime le illustrazioni e anche molto interessante da leggere.
Comprato al salone del libro e non mi pento assolutamente.
January 19, 2023
I was recently gifted this book and it was a delightful read. I thought I’d start with just one chapter, and ended up finishing the entire book in one sitting. It provides great history and culture behind specific plants; gardening tips; floral extract and tincture recipes, and spells to smite your enemies (jk).
December 28, 2023
⭐⭐⭐1/2
It took me a looooong time to finish this book, not because I wasn't enjoying it or finding it interesting, but because I focused on some other books.
However, I loved this piece of reading. Since it was only recently that I became interested in this world, I found this book informative for someone with little to no of plants/gardening/magic...you name it.
The illustrations were beautifully designed and I loved the long bibliography at the end of the book, I will definitely add some of them to my to-read list for 2024. I also really enjoyed the "which witch are you" test at the end of the book — turns out I'm a hedge witch, which, from I have read, suits me.
Anyway, read this if you became interested in the witch world but have no idea of what this really is or how to approach it, and you wish you could have your own garden (it includes some tips on how to start!)
It took me a looooong time to finish this book, not because I wasn't enjoying it or finding it interesting, but because I focused on some other books.
However, I loved this piece of reading. Since it was only recently that I became interested in this world, I found this book informative for someone with little to no of plants/gardening/magic...you name it.
The illustrations were beautifully designed and I loved the long bibliography at the end of the book, I will definitely add some of them to my to-read list for 2024. I also really enjoyed the "which witch are you" test at the end of the book — turns out I'm a hedge witch, which, from I have read, suits me.
Anyway, read this if you became interested in the witch world but have no idea of what this really is or how to approach it, and you wish you could have your own garden (it includes some tips on how to start!)
February 19, 2023
Absolutely lovely. The book was written like a story, a journey through nature and all its glory towards your inner self. Traveling like a true green witch! 🌿
February 24, 2025
This was a feel-good quick read. Loved the illustrations, which is pretty much what got me hooked. The author gives us beginner-friendly gardening tips and DIY recipes which I'm sure I will reference now and then ❤️💚
November 18, 2025
i love the idea of every woman being a witch
February 29, 2024
It's a pretty book, but not super in-depth information wise. It's a brief overview of many things with gorgeous colors, pictures, and fonts. Maybe a good book to have out on a coffee table or somewhere easily accessed. Four out of five stars to Backyard Witchcraft.
August 17, 2023
Interessant!
March 1, 2023
Gorgeous and informative! Loved every second.
September 20, 2022
I have friends who identify as kitchen witches and hedge witches, but I've never really known the difference or how those terms apply in the contemporary world. This book, Backyard Witchcraft, is an easy but interesting read that explains the different terms and also introduces people to some of the traits that all witches have, even before they self-identify as such. "All witches have a garden," is one of the things that really struck me, because while no one in my family practices Wicca, we all have gardens of some kind. Mine is mainly in pots, but apparently that counts. Even having a stash of seeds you intend to plant some day (hi, guilty) counts according to this book.
More than just quietly identifying latent witches, though, Backyard Witchcraft is part manual, part love letter to anyone who wants to get closer to the natural world. Understanding how the elements - fire, water, air, land - work may seem like magic, but it's really applied science and observation. Sun-loving plants have different needs from those which prefer shade, after all.
This is one of those books that you can read from cover to cover, but that may be more useful stashed among your cookbooks (especially if you're a kitchen witch) or herbals (if you're a green or hedge witch) for reference whenever you need it.
With beautiful pages and clear, concise prose, Backyard Witchcraft is a beautiful addition to anyone's library, whether they're a witch or not.
Goes well with: hot herbal tea laced with local honey.
More than just quietly identifying latent witches, though, Backyard Witchcraft is part manual, part love letter to anyone who wants to get closer to the natural world. Understanding how the elements - fire, water, air, land - work may seem like magic, but it's really applied science and observation. Sun-loving plants have different needs from those which prefer shade, after all.
This is one of those books that you can read from cover to cover, but that may be more useful stashed among your cookbooks (especially if you're a kitchen witch) or herbals (if you're a green or hedge witch) for reference whenever you need it.
With beautiful pages and clear, concise prose, Backyard Witchcraft is a beautiful addition to anyone's library, whether they're a witch or not.
Goes well with: hot herbal tea laced with local honey.
July 29, 2025
Grüne Magie für Beginner:innen
Wicca Botanica gibt einen ersten, sehr oberflächlichen Überblick über verschiedene Spielarten der Hexerei und Magie sowie über diverse Heil- und Zauberkräuter und -blumen und deren Verwendungsmöglichkeiten. Leider bleibt das Buch in den meisten Bereichen sehr allgemein und handelt Themen wie etwa Gartenplanung, Altargestaltung, Umgang mit Giftpflanzen, Kräutersammeln oder Hexen-„Werkzeuge“ teilweise auf einer Seite ab, wobei nur die grundsätzlichsten Informationen vermittelt werden.
Dabei wird vieles übersimplifiziert, was eigentlich einer ausführlicheren Erklärung bedürfte, sodass das Werk höchstens für absolute Anfängerhexen einen Wissenszuwachs (und einen leichten Einstieg in die wunderbare Welt der Pflanzenmagie) bedeutet. Der Untertitel „Ein umfassendes Handbuch“ ist daher etwas irreführend – umfassend sind die einzelnen Kapitel leider überhaupt nicht, und auch als Nachschlagewerk zu verschiedenen Pflanzen eignet sich das Buch eher weniger, da auf etwa 150 Seiten nur sage und schreibe 15 Pflanzenarten näher vorgestellt werden.
Was Wicca Botanica dennoch so bezaubernd macht, sind die liebevolle Gestaltung und die unglaublich schönen Illustrationen, die jede Seite zieren. Allein dafür lohnt es sich, das Buch auch als erfahrenere Hexe im Regal stehen zu haben, um die wundervollen Bilder anzuschauen und dabei vielleicht noch die eine oder andere Garten- und Kücheninspiration zu erfahren.
Wicca Botanica gibt einen ersten, sehr oberflächlichen Überblick über verschiedene Spielarten der Hexerei und Magie sowie über diverse Heil- und Zauberkräuter und -blumen und deren Verwendungsmöglichkeiten. Leider bleibt das Buch in den meisten Bereichen sehr allgemein und handelt Themen wie etwa Gartenplanung, Altargestaltung, Umgang mit Giftpflanzen, Kräutersammeln oder Hexen-„Werkzeuge“ teilweise auf einer Seite ab, wobei nur die grundsätzlichsten Informationen vermittelt werden.
Dabei wird vieles übersimplifiziert, was eigentlich einer ausführlicheren Erklärung bedürfte, sodass das Werk höchstens für absolute Anfängerhexen einen Wissenszuwachs (und einen leichten Einstieg in die wunderbare Welt der Pflanzenmagie) bedeutet. Der Untertitel „Ein umfassendes Handbuch“ ist daher etwas irreführend – umfassend sind die einzelnen Kapitel leider überhaupt nicht, und auch als Nachschlagewerk zu verschiedenen Pflanzen eignet sich das Buch eher weniger, da auf etwa 150 Seiten nur sage und schreibe 15 Pflanzenarten näher vorgestellt werden.
Was Wicca Botanica dennoch so bezaubernd macht, sind die liebevolle Gestaltung und die unglaublich schönen Illustrationen, die jede Seite zieren. Allein dafür lohnt es sich, das Buch auch als erfahrenere Hexe im Regal stehen zu haben, um die wundervollen Bilder anzuschauen und dabei vielleicht noch die eine oder andere Garten- und Kücheninspiration zu erfahren.
September 26, 2022
This is a book of magic whether you feel the witch thing or not. After all, I probably fall into the kitchen witch category and I feel the description keenly. I am most at home in my kitchen and happiest when I am cooking and baking for others since I rarely fuss over anything for myself.
It’s the type of book that’s just fun to pick up and read a chapter here and there to glean a bit of information or inspiration to hold tight for the future. Or if you need an answer you just can’t find this book might just lead you to where you need to be.
No, it’s not magic – but how it makes you think might just be.
There was a time when there were no computers and there were no instant answers and the body of knowledge was handed down from generation to generation. Some of the more intelligent women of these less enlightened times were feared and labeled in a way as to make them outcasts instead of being revered for what they could bring to society. Heaven forfend a woman know more than a man!
But now that we are more advanced we can accept that there is something to be respected in the natural world. Something that has always been but not always respected or accepted. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I received a free copy for my honest review
It’s the type of book that’s just fun to pick up and read a chapter here and there to glean a bit of information or inspiration to hold tight for the future. Or if you need an answer you just can’t find this book might just lead you to where you need to be.
No, it’s not magic – but how it makes you think might just be.
There was a time when there were no computers and there were no instant answers and the body of knowledge was handed down from generation to generation. Some of the more intelligent women of these less enlightened times were feared and labeled in a way as to make them outcasts instead of being revered for what they could bring to society. Heaven forfend a woman know more than a man!
But now that we are more advanced we can accept that there is something to be respected in the natural world. Something that has always been but not always respected or accepted. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I received a free copy for my honest review
September 30, 2022
This was a fun one! It's broken down into seven (pretty short) chapters, so it makes it easy to find exactly what you're looking for. Are you going to turn into a Sanderson sister? No, but will you get a basic idea of what is already in your backyard, and how to use those things in a positive (no hexing your coworkers, sorry) way to purify and make your home and life a little bit better. I definitely liked this one! It isn't so much a read cover to cover kind of book, it's more of a reference for you to look up exactly what you need. I do recommend going through it at least once though because I learned quite a bit.
Thank you to TLC Book Tours and Dover Publications for a copy to review!
Thank you to TLC Book Tours and Dover Publications for a copy to review!
December 29, 2023
No soy experta en brujería y mucho menos creo en esas cosas, la única razón por la que compré y leí este libro es porque quiero hacer, en el futuro, una novela de fantasía; en mi historia dos de mis personajes son brujos.
Lo poco que pude conocer y aprender me pareció bien, sin embargo, esperaba un par de hechizos malditos o así, pero no, todo hablaba sobre plantas (algo de esperarse por el título). Lo que me gustó bastante fue que fuera ilustrativo, eso hacía amena la lectura, además de entretenida.
Al no conoces mucho del tema, creo que está bien para una persona principiante en la magia verde; no es información muy complicada de entender.
Conclusión: Le doy 3.5 estrellas. Me sirvió (y me seguirá sirviendo) para crear mi historia.
Lo poco que pude conocer y aprender me pareció bien, sin embargo, esperaba un par de hechizos malditos o así, pero no, todo hablaba sobre plantas (algo de esperarse por el título). Lo que me gustó bastante fue que fuera ilustrativo, eso hacía amena la lectura, además de entretenida.
Al no conoces mucho del tema, creo que está bien para una persona principiante en la magia verde; no es información muy complicada de entender.
Conclusión: Le doy 3.5 estrellas. Me sirvió (y me seguirá sirviendo) para crear mi historia.
May 7, 2022
Een ontzettend mooi vormgegeven boek! De fantasievolle tekeningen vormden een grote meerwaarde voor de hele, magische beleving. Jammer genoeg heb ik na het lezen niet het gevoel dat ik veel heb bijgeleerd. Toch weet de auteur in minder dan tweehonderd pagina's veel onderwerpen aan te halen, wat ik bijzonder knap vind. Vooral de tien verhalen over kruiden en heksen aan het einde van het boek vond ik heel erg leuk. In dit hoofdstuk komen we sprookjes tegen, verhalen over Morgana en Avalon en zelfs over minder bekende heksen!
Een superleuk boek dus, en vanwege de korte en bondige informatie een aanrader voor beginners.
Een superleuk boek dus, en vanwege de korte en bondige informatie een aanrader voor beginners.
February 7, 2023
It was a good introduction to green witchcraft though I wouldn't say it gave me a lot of information because it was written very flowery (if that makes any sense). That begin said it is a very beautiful book.
I did knock down a star because it refers to herb bundles as smudge sticks and talks about palo santo and doesn't mention how it is a native American tradition and should not be done if you are not Native American. It does mention white sage and how that is closed and you should use other type of sage over white sage so there's that.
That all begin said it was a good book but there is other books i would recommend to newbie witches before this one.
I did knock down a star because it refers to herb bundles as smudge sticks and talks about palo santo and doesn't mention how it is a native American tradition and should not be done if you are not Native American. It does mention white sage and how that is closed and you should use other type of sage over white sage so there's that.
That all begin said it was a good book but there is other books i would recommend to newbie witches before this one.
November 18, 2022
Types of Witches
Cecilia Lattari presents some very interesting facts and background information on a Green Witch, a Kitchen Witch, a Hedge Witch, and discusses some of their individual differences, and states that all witches basically have some type of a garden.
The author provides publication information, listing some methods of doing so, and a breakdown of the four elements and some plants associated with each.
Cecilia, also, includes a test to help determine what type of witch you are. Great book for a beginner.
Cecilia Lattari presents some very interesting facts and background information on a Green Witch, a Kitchen Witch, a Hedge Witch, and discusses some of their individual differences, and states that all witches basically have some type of a garden.
The author provides publication information, listing some methods of doing so, and a breakdown of the four elements and some plants associated with each.
Cecilia, also, includes a test to help determine what type of witch you are. Great book for a beginner.
May 7, 2024
Teniendo en cuenta que es un libro para adolescentes, cumple perfectamente el propósito.
Si bien no soy creyente de la brujería o los hechizos, es curioso de leer y puede despertar preguntas o ganas de investigar sobre ciertas plantas que aparecen, incluso hay recomendaciones sobre plantas y sus utilidades o una guía básica sobre cómo realizar tus propias tinturas o aceites esenciales.
El estilo es adecuado, las ilustraciones preciosas y la edición es agradable, tanto para lectura como para futuras consultas.
Muy recomendable para regalo a adolescentes y adultas jóvenes.
Si bien no soy creyente de la brujería o los hechizos, es curioso de leer y puede despertar preguntas o ganas de investigar sobre ciertas plantas que aparecen, incluso hay recomendaciones sobre plantas y sus utilidades o una guía básica sobre cómo realizar tus propias tinturas o aceites esenciales.
El estilo es adecuado, las ilustraciones preciosas y la edición es agradable, tanto para lectura como para futuras consultas.
Muy recomendable para regalo a adolescentes y adultas jóvenes.
February 2, 2023
Oh, what a cute book! The illustrations are fantastic in their simplicity, but still well detailed. It almost feels like reading a children's book, it's so easy to snuggle up to.
As much as I like the book, I can tell that it was written and illustrated under the assumption that witches are white women - it would have made the book so much better if there was a variety in representation of different energies and cultures.
As much as I like the book, I can tell that it was written and illustrated under the assumption that witches are white women - it would have made the book so much better if there was a variety in representation of different energies and cultures.
June 12, 2023
Poche informazioni effettive, e se solo non fosse stato così bello mi sarei quasi sentita presa in giro. La bellezza delle illustrazioni porta a chiudere un occhio sul testo, che passa quasi sullo sfondo. Personalmente mi ha fatto sentire nuovamente una ragazzina alle prese con le prime informazioni pagane. Le immagini mi hanno trasmesso una forte magia e nostalgia. Se volete sfogliare un libro bello, questo è il testo che fa per voi.
May 13, 2024
Gorgeous illustrations throughout, but disappointing content. There isn't much of a narrative, and it felt like reading someone's summary of a more comprehensive volume. There was a real lack of specifics, and the overview did not feel complete enough to make up for this. The short "stories" at the end for example, are a few paragraph summaries that don't actually give a story or an explanation for their inclusion. It just felt disjointed and incomplete.
January 24, 2024
This book has beautiful pictures but other than that it's very basic and generic information. Would be good for someone just looking to get their feet wet but otherwise I wouldn't recommend it and I'm very sorry to have to say that. Was very disappointed in quality of the written information. They illustrations are really the only thing it has going for it
May 17, 2022
Een erg prettig boek om af en toe op te pakken en een klein stukje te lezen. De illustraties zijn erg mooi en sfeervol. Het is prettig leesbaar, met interessante basis informatie, en ik vond de inzichten van de schrijfster erg mooi.
June 22, 2022
Prachtig boek, vooral de illustraties. Ik vond de uitleg soms wat simpel of oppervlakkig, maar dat mag ook. Het is een boek voor beginners, maar nooit verkeerd om in huis te hebben als je al wat meer weten van groene hekserij. Een prima, beknopt naslagwerk.
December 27, 2022
I received a complementary copy of this from the publisher and was on a book tour, I may not have read it otherwise, but I’m glad I did! I learned a lot and was able to pass my copy on to my daughter, who practices witchcraft. It was beautifully illustrated as well!
March 8, 2023
Het boek zegt over alles eigenlijk net niks.
Op zich leuk voor mensen die volledig nieuw zijn en mogelijk geprikkeld worden door dit boek om meer erover te lezen.
De illustraties van Betti Greco zijn fantastisch en maakt het volledig lezen en bekijken van dit boek het veel meer waard.
Op zich leuk voor mensen die volledig nieuw zijn en mogelijk geprikkeld worden door dit boek om meer erover te lezen.
De illustraties van Betti Greco zijn fantastisch en maakt het volledig lezen en bekijken van dit boek het veel meer waard.
March 9, 2024
Tiene información muy útil y que te puede ayudar a iniciar en la botánica wiccana, de lectura fácil y divertida con ilustraciones muy bonitas que te ayudan a comprender un poco más de la planta / situación
July 23, 2024
I think this book has a lot of great information! I love all the plant info & the info about making tinctures etc. this is definitely going to stay in my book collection for forever in case I ever need to reach for the info in it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews