Today we’re talking with Skye Alexander, author of over 20 books on the subjects of magic and witchcraft, and author of the new book “The Kitchen Witch: Your Complete Guide to Creating a Magical Kitchen with Natural Ingredients, Sacred Rituals, and Spellwork.”
1. What first drew you to witchcraft?
I think I was probably born a witch (no, not a hereditary one) because from an early age I loved nature, talked to spirits (which my parents considered “imaginary friends”), and disliked organized religion. I was drawn to Wicca in particular, largely because it honors a female deity whereas most of the world’s major religions are patriarchal. I also felt comfortable with the lack of rigid dogma and the simple guiding tenet: Do no harm.
2. Since your latest book is “The Kitchen Witch,” how would you describe kitchen witchery?
Kitchen witchery is one of the oldest forms of witchcraft, but it’s gaining popularity again today. More than any other type of magick work, I think kitchen witchery blends the mundane with the magickal. Modern-day kitchen witches find their forebears in the village healers, herbalists, and cunning folk of long ago. Those of us who practice it see magick in everyday life and consider our homes––especially our kitchens––sacred space. We also understand the magickal properties of plants and tap those when we prepare meals, create herbal remedies, and so on. For kitchen witches, nourishing ourselves and others is a spiritual act, not merely a practical one. If you view the body as a temple, you’ll treat it as such and do your best to respect and care for it.
3. How do you incorporate kitchen witchcraft into your daily life?
The most obvious way is through the preparation and consumption of food and beverages. Each food has magickal properties that can be used in spellcraft. Much of it is based on symbolism, for example, strawberries look like pretty red hearts so they can play a part in a love spell. Mint, because it grows prolifically, has a place in abundance magick. Even the tools we use contain significance. A wooden spoon serves as a magick wand to mix witchy brews; a wineglass becomes a chalice and a kitchen knife doubles as an athame. The stove is the contemporary equivalent of ancient hearth fires, where our ancestors not only cooked meals but also made offerings to the gods and goddesses.
4. Do you have to be a competent cook to consider yourself a kitchen witch?
No. The most important thing is your intention. Regardless of how simple or elaborate the meal, a kitchen witch imbues the ingredients with her (or his) love, reverence, and gratitude, and keeps her mind on her purpose while she works. I recommend that people banish the TV from the kitchen (or at least turn it off––especially the news) when you cook and focus on the magick you’re doing. Playing happy or peaceful music, however, can aid your endeavors.
5. What’s your favorite kitchen tip, witchy or otherwise?
Think of every act as a magickal one. When you sweep the floor, realize that you’re clearing away unwanted energy as well as dust and dirt. When you stir a soup or stew in a pot, use a clockwise motion to attract what you seek; stir counterclockwise to reduce or banish. If you garden or grow herbs in pots in your kitchen, thank the plants for nourishing you and your loved ones. Bless the food you prepare and perhaps say a prayer or affirmation before you eat it. And don’t allow arguments to take place in your kitchen or at the dining table. Thoughts and words have power––they precede manifestation––so be mindful while you’re engaged in your kitchen witchery.
6. What’s your favorite thing about your kitchen?
It’s spacious and has big windows that look out onto my outdoor altar as well as acres of trees, wildlife, and birds.
7. Real talk, what is your favorite guilty pleasure food? Any chance you can justify it magically?
Chocolate. We associate chocolate with love, of course––that’s why we give it on Valentine’s Day. It’s a good choice for love spells. Health wise, chocolate contains tryptophan, which releases serotonin in the brain and increases dopamine, so you feel better when you eat it.
8. You have written just so, so many books. How do you maintain such a prolific volume of writings?
I don’t have a TV or kids, so I have fewer distractions than many people. Also, I love what I do, which makes it easy to be disciplined about writing regularly.
9. What’s next? Do you have any upcoming projects that my readers should be aware of?
In addition to writing books on metaphysical subjects, I write a mystery series set in the Roaring Twenties. The third novel in the series The Goddess of Shipwrecked Sailors is scheduled for September release, and I’m working on the sixth book now. The second in the series What the Walls Know might interest you and your readers because it features a cast of occultists including a tarot reader, a witch, a wizard, an astrologer, and several mediums.
10. Parting Shot! Ask us at The Magical Buffet any one question.
You referred to yourself as a “generalist” and I love that you cover so many topics, ideas, schools of thought, mythology, and much more in The Magical Buffet. You’re pretty prolific yourself––how do you find time to study, practice, and write so many fascinating and thought-provoking articles?
Okay, that is seriously flattering. Honestly, I can feel myself blushing. The truth is I just flat out don’t accomplish all that I’d live to with regards to study, practice, and creating. I work a full-time job and suffer from some not insignificant health issues, so the fact that you regard me as prolific is rewarding because on a nearly daily basis I feel like I accomplish nothing.
About Skye Alexander: Skye Alexander is the award-winning author of more than thirty fiction and nonfiction books, including “Your Goddess Year”, “The Only Tarot Book You’ll Ever Need”, “The Modern Guide to Witchcraft”, “The Modern Witchcraft Spell Book”, “The Modern Witchcraft Grimoire”, “The Modern Witchcraft Book of Tarot”, and “The Modern Witchcraft Book of Love Spells”. Her stories have been published in anthologies internationally, and her work has been translated into more than a dozen languages. The Discovery Channel featured her in the TV special, Secret Stonehenge, doing a ritual at Stonehenge. She divides her time between Texas and Massachusetts. You can learn more about her on her website. You’ll find her books here.
Get your own copy of “The Kitchen Witch” here. (This is an affiliate link to my Bookshop, which supports independent bookstores throughout the United States. If you use this link to purchase the book, I will make a small commission at no additional cost to you.)
Do you enjoy The Magical Buffet? Considering supporting The Magical Buffet on Patreon! For only $5 a month you’ll receive monthly tarot/oracle forecasts, classes, and behind the scenes updates! https://www.patreon.com/magicalbuffet
Great interview! I may need to get this book. (And check out her fiction as well.)