“For all you know, a witch may be living next door to you right now.”
I consider myself an Eclectic Kitchen Witch which means I draw practices from different belief systems including Magick, Buddhist Meditation and Archangel work. The Kitchen Witch part is obvious; I love being in my kitchen, no matter the time of year. I cook every day, make my own tea blends, prepare concoctions like Fire Cider and Fermented Garlic to keep us healthy through the colder months and integrate natural herbs and essential oils into my daily life.
Today I’m going to take you through a day in my life as a Witch.
Honouring the Earth – Photo by Jennifer Pedraza Richardson
How I Live As A Witch
MORNING
I’m usually greeted by Salem, my black cat when I first wake up. He likes to snuggle up with me in the early morning and sleep in my arms. So, I enjoy a few extra minutes petting him while he purrs happily then I get out of bed and go straight to my studio. Every morning begins with 30 minutes of meditation. I keep a peaceful altar with my Buddha statue and crystals and after my session I like to pull a card from one of my card decks and set an intention for the day.
(photo by Jennifer Pedraza Richardson)
Meditation is followed by breakfast. I’ve been having the same smoothie for many years:
1 frozen banana
1 1/2 cups unsweetened Almond Milk
1/2 cup Blueberries
1 Tblsp seeds (for seed cycling info. HERE)
1 large Brazil nut
1/2 an avocado
1 scoop of Beef Protein
After breakfast I shower and get ready for my day; Makeup, a few dabs of my handmade Magickal perfume (with essential oils of Vetiver, Oakmoss, Mugwort and Orris) and my Magickal jewelry (buddhist mala bracelets and my silver pentacle ring bought at a pagan fair years ago).
(photo by Jennifer Pedraza Richardson)
I like to spend time in the woods near my home. At this time of the year the forest is abundant with medicinal herbs and wild flowers . A good practice for any Witch is to learn how to recognize local plants throughout the seasons as well as how to harvest and prepare them into tincture and salves. I forage for wild lemon balm to dry for tea, St. Johnswort root to treat depression, Purple Clovers for childhood eczema, Plantain is natures band-aid , Milk Thistle to cleanse the liver and Feverfew for headaches. If you suffer with migraines chew a Feverfew leaf daily.
Feverfew leaves are an amazing remedy for migraines – Photo by Jennifer Pedraza Richardson
Afternoon
In the late afternoon I do Yoga and and on sunny days I practice outside. I love doing yoga under the sunshine.
Dinner is planned as much as possible around seasonal foods and cooking from scratch is important in this Witches kitchen. Cooking from scratch assures we’re eating whole foods rich in vitamins, nothing processed. You can find all of my recipes HERE. Candles are a big part of my Magick so there’s always a candle lit before beginning any cooking. It’s important to give thanks for the bounty the Goddess provides us with and I make sure to infuse my meals with the most magickal ingredient, Love.
“The kitchen can be a sacred space. Where magic is created, whether it’s mixing up a potion, or baking a cake for friends. The whole process is part of this spell – intention being just as important as the ingredients! The Kitchen Witch keeps a warm and happy home infused with magic.”
Natural wood utensils and bowls in my Kitchen – Photo by Jennifer Pedraza Richardson
Evening
Having an evening routine sets the tone for a good night’s sleep and a positive morning. After a shower, I do a 10 minute Breathwork session followed by noting 10 things I’m grateful for in my journal. My cat Merlin loves joining me any time I meditate or sit down to journal. He gets lots of kisses and belly rubs which is another thing I’m grateful for.
I’ve always enjoyed storm Magick so I like to play a thunderstorm soundtrack in the background while I read a book from my collection before bed.
Photo by Jennifer Pedraza Richardson
I found this little book in a cozy used bookstore in Port Townsend Washington. It’s filled with Pagan prayers so right before lights out I like to check in with the Old Gods and give them thanks. Good Night.
Photo by Jennifer Pedraza Richardson
Sky about me. Earth below me. Fire within me
My life as a Witch is not much different to yours or to anyone of different faith. The most important pillars of my faith are honouring the Gods by being a steward of nature, observing the Pagan festivals, caring for my body temple with nourishing foods and exercise, learning about my Craft and tuning into the Earth’s cycles all in an attempt to know myself better and to walk in the footsteps of my ancestors.
Thank you for joining me today. Brightest Blessings to you.
Love,
Jennifer
Self Portrait – Photo by Jennifer Pedraza Richardson a.k.a The Bell Witch Manor
If you’re interested in my earrings featured above – they’re from Etah Love