Kitchen Witch by Magi Kitchen witchery is based on folk magick, blending together components found in, and around, the sacred space of home for spellcraft. For Kitchen Witches particularly, cookery, brewing and herbalism remain well-loved arts because of their familiarity and ease of integration into daily practices. For examples, stitching love into a child's coat when mending it, biding the magick with a knot and so on. Who would have thought 50 years ago that thousands of American homes would be graced with images of flying Witches. Or that such Witches would be considered to be the bearers of good luck? Within recent times, these images of elderly women astride a broom have become fixtures in many kitchens. The popularity of such figures does indeed seem surprising, given the 'wicked' image that Witches have suffered for centuries. Wise woman, who were often midwives, healers, herbalists, psychics and folk magickians were an established part of European culture for centuries. Most of these women knew spells of love, protection and health, and were frequently called upon for their magickal assistance. In the olden days, the elderly were held in high esteem for their wisdom and experience. Older wise women were naturally thought to possess more knowledge and have access to greater power. For hundreds of years, wise women were allowed to openly practice their 'arts'. Some called these women Witches, but at the time this was no crime. Female Witches were akin to fairy godmothers: they were respected, not feared. Soon the great persecution of the heretics began. Wise women were suddenly labeled as enemies of the dominant religion. Many were falsely accused of worshipping the devil and were executed. And so, the wise women, who were healers and helpers; who cured with spells and herbs; who birthed babies; counselled the depressed and blessed the fields came to be hated and feared through no fault of their own. Since the Witch wasn't originally seen as evil, it seems likely that the modern day popularity of the Kitchen Witch is based upon the growing knowledge of the true nature of Witches, past and present. Kitchen Witches are depicted as flying as a sigh of their magickal ability. The advanced age of most Kitchen Witches may indicate respect for the accumulated wisdom of the wise woman. Kitchen Witches seem to be an apology to the wise woman falsely accused of devil-worship. It also may be a yearning for a return to the past, when magick was an accepted practice and when the wise woman helped those who came to her. includes excerpts from: The Magical Almanac, 1993, Scott Cunningham | 
