Book of the week
The Real Witches’ Kitchen: Spells, Recipes, Oils, Lotions and Potions from the Witches’ Hearth by Kate West
First published by Thorntons in 2002 ( as shown from our library)
Current editions by Harper Collins.
226 pages. Paperback
9780007117864 (ISBN10: 0007117868)
This is a delightful and practical guide that brings the magic of witchcraft into everyday domestic life, specifically the modern kitchen—viewed here as the contemporary equivalent of the ancient hearth. It’s a large format paper back that is written in a clear and informal typeface with some line art drawings by Chris Down that help illustrate the book content.
Kate West, a well-respected British High Priestess and one of the UK’s most popular authors on Witchcraft (with a Lifetime Contribution award to her name), writes in a warm, approachable, and down-to-earth style. This book stands out as part of her “Real Witches” series, emphasising accessible, real-world practice over overly ceremonial or secretive approaches.
The book centers on around 100 useful spells and recipes using common herbs, spices, plants, and household ingredients.
These include:
• Magical oils, lotions, and potions for healing, beauty, protection, and personal empowerment (e.g., affordable “potions to improve your looks without ruining your bank balance”).
• Foods, drinks, and wines tied to seasonal celebrations and the Wheel of the Year festivals.
• Remedies and blends that address both physical and spiritual well-being.
As with all her books, this is very much geared toward kitchen witchery and hearth-based magic—infusing intention into cooking, brewing herbal infusions, creating anointing oils, or preparing ritual foods. The emphasis is on practicality, safety, and using what’s readily available rather than rare or exotic components.
Info burst
• Perfect for beginners or those interested in everyday, low-key magic. The instructions are clear, straightforward, and budget-friendly.
• Reference value: Many readers treat it as a go-to resource to revisit for home remedies, seasonal ideas, or quick spells. It’s often praised as a solid addition to any magical library.
• Engaging tone: West’s writing feels friendly and encouraging, like advice from an experienced coven member rather than a dry textbook.
We do have some minor quibbles…
Some readers note that West occasionally equates witchcraft broadly with Wicca/Paganism (e.g., implying all witches follow similar paths), which can feel limiting to eclectic, non-Wiccan, or traditional practitioners. This is a common critique of her work overall, but it doesn’t overshadow the book’s practical focus for most users.
Who It’s For?
If you’re drawn to hearth and home magic, love incorporating herbs and cooking into your practice, or want simple ways to weave spells into daily routines (especially around Sabbats or personal care), this is an excellent choice. It’s especially appealing for those who appreciate British traditional influences with a modern, family-friendly twist.
Overall, the book is good ; It’s not a deep theoretical tome, but it excels at what it promises: empowering readers to turn their kitchen into a magical workspace full of intention, healing, and celebration. A worthy, timeless addition to any witch’s shelf—especially if you enjoy hands-on, edible, or body-care-oriented magic.
About the author:
Kate West is a highly regarded British author, Wiccan High Priestess, and one of the most influential and successful voices in modern witchcraft, particularly in the UK.
Born in 1957 in Devon, United Kingdom (she’s around 68–69 years old now), Kate grew up in a family with roots in both folk traditions and Catholicism. Her father descended from a line of cunning folk (traditional English folk healers and practitioners of magic) originally from Northumberland, while her mother was a Roman Catholic from London. Though raised Christian, she was exposed early to “old ways” of healing, nature knowledge, and seasonal cycles. She had her first notable encounter with witchcraft at age six, when an elderly woman (later understood to be part of an occult group) lived with her family.
Kate has been a practicing Wiccan for over 30 years (likely starting in the 1980s or earlier). She serves as High Priestess of the Hearth of Hecate, a coven she has led since the 1990s, which also offers a popular email support and enquiry service for witches worldwide.
Her community involvement includes key roles such as:
• Former Vice President and Media Co-ordinator of the Pagan Federation.
• Media officer for Children of Artemis, the UK’s largest and fastest-growing Witchcraft and Wiccan organization.
She has received a Lifetime Contribution to Witchcraft award and is frequently recognized as the UK’s most popular and successful factual author on the subject, especially by groups like Children of Artemis.
Kate is best known for her “Real Witches” series, which includes over a dozen accessible, practical books like The Real Witches’ Handbook (her breakthrough title), The Real Witches’ Kitchen (the one we discussed), The Real Witches’ Garden, The Real Witches’ Year, and others. Her writing style is warm, straightforward, beginner-friendly, and focused on everyday, hearth-based magic rather than heavy ceremony—making witchcraft feel approachable and relevant to modern life.
She lives in North Norfolk, England, and remains active in the Pagan community through speaking at events (like international Witchfests), contributing to magazines, and teaching.
Kate West is a well versed and celebrated for demystifying and popularizing Wicca and witchcraft in a grounded, ethical way—bridging traditional roots with contemporary practice. If you’re into practical, kitchen-hearth, or seasonal magic, her work (and background) makes her a go-to authority. All her books are well worth getting each with a well written, clear and useful theme that makes them key reading for the modern witch , Wiccan or pagan.
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