A crafting witch is someone who combines elements of witchcraft and crafting to create unique and magical items. This practice draws upon the belief that the power of intention and the energy put into a handmade object can enhance its magical properties. Crafting witches often start by learning the basic principles of witchcraft, such as energy manipulation, spellcasting, and divination. They then apply these skills to their crafting, infusing their creations with specific intentions and energies. This can be done through various methods, such as incorporating symbols, colors, herbs, crystals, or spells into their projects. The crafting witch may focus on creating items for personal use, such as spell jars, charms, or talismans.
Crafting Witches
“We are now between the worlds, and what is between the worlds can change the world!” This phrase is a familiar way of setting the ritual circle within eclectic Pagan practice, after calling the cardinal directions. The words facilitate separating out participants from the everyday world together and make collaborative magical work possible. The feminist Witches I research direct their shared magic to healing each other, their broader communities, and the earth, bound together in a holistic cosmology of interconnection. How do these twenty-first century, North American women come to recognize themselves as Witches?
Contemporary Paganism is a new religious movement that champions magic as both group worship and personal empowerment. The religion positions itself as the reclamation of traditions historically repressed by missionizing Christianity, especially but not exclusively in medieval and early modern Europe. Historical precedent, continuity, and legitimation are ongoing cosmological negotiations within Pagan communities. A predominantly white, Western movement, contemporary Paganism is a product of, a backlash against, and a popular audience for, anthropological ideas about magic.
The crafting witch may focus on creating items for personal use, such as spell jars, charms, or talismans. These items can be used to amplify the witch's own magical abilities, protect against negative energies, or attract specific energies or outcomes. Crafting witches can also make items for others, such as potions, bath bombs, or ritual tools, which are infused with intentions to aid the recipient in specific areas of their life.
The witch/Witch distinction
There were no actual witches in early modern European witch trials. Starting in the 1500’s and lasting about 300 years, 40,000–50,000 people in continental Europe, the British Isles, and later colonial settlements were executed as enemies of their governments and communities, accused of working with the devil to ruin livelihoods, harm children, and ultimately destroy the world. Witchcraft was a fearful fantasy of an upside-down Christianity, flipping the proper hierarchy of good over evil, but the people accused of this nightmare inversion were themselves Christians, persecuted by their own religion.
Witch hunting continues around the world today, local fears exacerbated by particular forms of exclusivist Christianity—products of colonially inflected missionizing. If we widen perspective to include conspiracy-theory-driven moral panics, then one can argue that the practice of witch hunting is just as close to home for people in the West as it ever was, for example in attacks on trans* adults and kids, drag artists, non-heteronormative families, and LGBTQ+ communities more broadly.
Given the continuing relevance of diabolical witch fears, making a clear distinction between victims of witchcraft accusations and religiously self-identified Witches is not just a thought experiment. When discussing witch-hunting stereotypes and victims of those stereotypes, I do not capitalize witch or pagan, because the accused do not self-identify with those terms. These words are dangerous, externally imposed labels. I do, however, capitalize Witch and Pagan when referring to current practitioners, in recognition of the legitimacy of their religious movements, just as I would with terms like Buddhist, Muslim, or Christian.
Crafting witches often incorporate nature into their creations, as they believe in the power of natural elements and materials. They may gather herbs, flowers, or crystals from their surroundings to add to their crafts. By working with nature, they believe they can enhance the magical properties of their creations and connect more deeply with the energies of the earth. Crafting witches may also incorporate traditional crafting techniques into their practice. They may knit, sew, paint, sculpt, or create jewelry to channel their magical intentions into physical form. The act of crafting itself can be seen as a sacred ritual, as it allows the witch to focus their energy and intention while creating something with their hands. Crafting witches often emphasize the importance of personalization and intention in their creations. They believe that each item they make should be unique and imbued with their own energy and purpose. This means that crafting witches may spend time researching and experimenting with different materials, colors, and symbols to create the desired effect in their creations. Crafting witches may also keep a crafting journal or grimoire, where they document their creations, including the materials used, the intention behind each item, and any rituals or spells performed during the crafting process. This journal serves as a record of their magical practice and allows them to reflect on their creations and the effectiveness of their magic. Crafting witches see their practice as a way to connect with their creative energy and spiritual beliefs. By combining the art of crafting with the power of witchcraft, they are able to create meaningful and magical items that bring beauty, intention, and purpose into their lives and the lives of others..
Reviews for "Kitchen Witchery: Crafting Magickal Recipes and Brews"
1. Amy - 2/5 stars - I was really excited to read "Crafting Witch" as I love witch-themed stories, but unfortunately, I was left disappointed. The characters felt one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it hard to connect with them. The plot was also predictable and lacked any real surprises. Additionally, the writing style felt disjointed and confusing at times, making it hard to follow the story. Overall, "Crafting Witch" failed to capture my attention and left me wanting more.
2. Mark - 1/5 stars - "Crafting Witch" was a major letdown for me. The storyline was weak and didn't offer anything unique or engaging. The pacing was off, with slow-moving sections followed by rushed and poorly developed moments. The world-building was also lacking, and I found it difficult to visualize the magical elements described in the book. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, further adding to my disappointment. I wouldn't recommend "Crafting Witch" to anyone looking for a captivating and well-executed witchcraft novel.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I expected so much more from "Crafting Witch" but it fell flat for me. The main character was unrelatable and lacked any charisma. The romance subplot felt forced and lacked chemistry between the characters. I also found the magical system to be underdeveloped and confusing at times. The writing style was average, failing to create a strong atmosphere or immerse me in the story. Overall, "Crafting Witch" missed the mark and left me feeling unsatisfied with the overall reading experience.