For those not familiar with the term Cottage Witch, it might conjure up images of the witch in the children's tale Hansel and Gretel. But in reality, a Cottage Witch is a person who brings a bit of magic into everyday, domestic life. Some Cottage Witches follow the religion of Wicca, while others may follow a different Pagan spiritual path. A Cottage Witch works with the energies of nature in order to make the home a sacred and secure place.
Other names for a Cottage Witch include, Kitchen Witch and Hedge Witch but they all embrace the philosophy of recognizing the Goddess in daily household tasks and working with natural energies. As a Cottage Witch, being mindful of the sacred in everyday life is a way of recognizing that we are all part of the cycles of life, and that no task we perform is insignificant.
Being a Cottage Witch
An integral part of being a Cottage Witch includes the preparing and cooking of healthy meals. Fresh, organic food, sometimes coming from their own garden, is prepared with love and respect. A Cottage Witch will also use herbs to create natural remedies and magical spells. But you don't need to be an expert cook or gardener to be a Cottage Witch, nor do you need a large house or garden. To be a Cottage Witch, the important parts are developing your intuition, drawing on your inner wisdom and being aware of the Goddess in your home environment.
Developing Intuition
To better develop your intuition it's best to practice being mindful and observant. Take time each day to notice the details of your surroundings such as the sounds you hear, patterns of sunlight, the rough texture of tree bark or the soft feel of fabric.
Also, you go about your daily household tasks, be mindful of how these tasks connect you to life. Recognize the sacred in even the smallest tasks that you are performing.
For more ideas on developing a stronger intuition, read the article Develop Your Intuition
Honoring the Goddess
The cooking, cleaning and chores performed in the home of a Cottage Witch is done in honor of the Goddess. Often a Cottage Witch will choose to honor one particular form of the Goddess, usually one associated with the hearth, home or harvest. However, depending upon the seasons or the work that is being performed, other Goddesses may also be honored. For instance, Hestia is associated with hearth and crafts, Demeter with harvest and Freya with kitchens and cooking.
You can honor the Goddess as you perform your daily tasks by consciously drawing upon her energy, asking for assistance and blessings, or tapping into her healing insight through meditation and reflection. You may also choose to honor her with an altar in your home, on which you can place incense, crystals, herbs and seasonal flowers.
Creating a Magical Home
A Cottage Witch keeps her home as clean and orderly as possible. But don't worry, it doesn't have to be spotless. Just keep in mind that a tidy, comfortable and welcoming home helps attract positive energy and creates a sacred place for the Goddess.
If possible, grow your own herbs to use in your herbal remedies and healing potions. If you don't have garden space outdoors, you may wish to grow an indoor container herb garden.
Let all meal preparations be a sacred ritual by infusing the food with love and blessings. Use fresh ingredients whenever you can. Have mealtime be a sacred time.
Keep a journal or Book of Shadows in your kitchen. Record herbal information, favorite recipes for meals, healing remedies, recipes for homemade cleaning products and household spells.
You can also read up on the path of the Cottage Witch with books such as The Magical Household by Scott Cunningham and David Harrington, and Cottage Witchery: Natural Magic for Hearth and Home by Ellen Dugan.
