Wiccan kitchen decor is a unique and mystical way to incorporate spiritual beliefs and practices into your everyday life. The kitchen is often seen as the heart of the home, a place where nourishment and energy are created. In Wicca, the kitchen is also a sacred space where spells and rituals can be conducted. One of the key aspects of Wiccan kitchen decor is the use of natural elements. Wiccans believe in the power of nature and its connection to the spiritual world. Therefore, incorporating natural materials such as wood and stone into the kitchen can create a sense of harmony and balance.
In The Witch of Blackbird Pond, it’s 1687, and Katherine (Kit) Tyler sails into Wethersfield, Connecticut to join the household of her last remaining relatives, her Aunt Rachel and Uncle Matthew, and their two daughters, Judith and Mercy. 16-year-old Kit has lived all her life in Barbados, raised by her loving grandfather, but after his death she’s left with nothing, and leaves her beautiful island behind to start a new life among the Puritans of New England
In The Witch of Blackbird Pond , it s 1687, and Katherine Kit Tyler sails into Wethersfield, Connecticut to join the household of her last remaining relatives, her Aunt Rachel and Uncle Matthew, and their two daughters, Judith and Mercy. For this review I decided to listen to this old favourite in the audiobook version for the first time, to compare it to the experience of reading it myself.
Therefore, incorporating natural materials such as wood and stone into the kitchen can create a sense of harmony and balance. Natural colors such as earth tones can also be used to create a calming and grounding atmosphere. Altars are often an important part of Wiccan practice, and many Wiccans choose to have a small altar in their kitchen.
Cannonball Read IV: The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
I’ve held on to my copy of The Witch of Blackbird Pond since I was about 11 years old and have re-read it many, many times. In a time when the word “witch” brings up images of Harry Potter-type stories, it might be helpful to clarify - this book is historical fiction, NOT fantasy. :) “Witch” refers to the Puritan colonist ideas of what a witch was in the 1600’s. Generally, anyone who was a little different, especially a different religion, might be accused of being a witch in league with Satan. For this review I decided to listen to this old favourite in the audiobook version for the first time, to compare it to the experience of reading it myself.
The Witch of Blackbird Pond starts with a 16 year old, free-spirited girl named Kit, traveling on a ship from Barbados to Wethersfield, Connecticut - a Puritan colony up the Connecticut River, in 1687. Kit was raised by her wealthy grandfather in Barbados in a completely different lifestyle from the Puritans. But after his death, she is now on her way to live with relatives who she has never met before. Kit struggles to fit into her new life and to understand the Puritans, but, while her relatives try to be welcoming, they make little effort to understand her in return. It is quite the culture shock for her to go from having wealth, status and slaves to being poor and an outsider having to learn daily household chores.
Kit does her best to become friends with her cousins, Mercy and Judith, while they are all getting to know each other and are developing romances with the very few eligible young men around. But eventually, she rebels against the intolerance of the community and finds comfort by becoming friends with the lonely, old Quaker women who lives at Blackbird Pond.
The book ends with an old-fashioned Puritan witch hunt and Kit finds out who will really stand up for her and for justice when it counts.
While I’ve always thoroughly enjoyed it when I read this book, I found the audiobook, narrated by Mary Beth Hurt, lacking something. As it started, I was initially disappointed with some music competing with the narrator’s voice, but that soon ended and only recurs briefly again at the end. But it is completely unnecessary and detracts from the reading. Then, my second disappointment was that the narrator’s voice did not suit what I had in my mind for Kit’s voice. I was afraid that it would ruin the whole book for me, but it eventually grew on me enough to go unnoticed most of the time. Mary Beth was good at doing both a young girl’s voice and an older woman’s voice - it was the main character’s teenage voice that didn’t seem right to me.
And a little side-note - there were a few scattered technical glitches, of voice skips. I don’t know if that was just my download, or if it would be in other library audio versions too.
I’ve very seldom thought a narrator had the “wrong” voice before. A few have just been bad in all respects, but the good ones, are usually good all around too. So this problem was a new experience with audiobooks for me. I’ve also both read and listened to the same books before, but I’m not sure if I’ve done it in this order since at the moment I can only recall buying a book after enjoying the audio version. So perhaps it is just harder for an audiobook to live up to my own imagination. I hope to find more library audiobooks to compare to other printed favourites to better determine this.
This book will appeal to readers who enjoy juvenile historical fiction books with feisty, young heroines. It is recommended for ages 8 -10 and up, although the younger readers may have a little difficulty following the politics of the time. But anyone may enjoy looking up the real historical figures and places, such as Wethersfield and the Buttolph-Williams House.
For more of loopyker’s reviews, check out her blog, Loopy Ker’s Life.
This review is part of Cannonball Read IV. Read all about it.
Kit Tyler must leave behind shimmering Caribbean islands to join the stern Puritan community of her relatives. She soon feels caged, until she meets the old woman known as the Witch of Blackbird Pond. But when their friendship is discovered, Kit herself is accused of witchcraft!
This can be a space for rituals, offerings, or simply a place to connect with the divine while preparing meals. Altars can be adorned with candles, crystals, herbs, and other symbols of the Wiccan faith. Herbs play a central role in Wiccan kitchen decor. Wiccans often use herbs for both culinary and magical purposes. Having a small herb garden in the kitchen is a great way to incorporate this element into your decor. Not only will fresh herbs add a beautiful touch to your kitchen, but they can also be used in cooking and spell work. Hanging bundles of dried herbs from the ceiling or displaying them in glass jars can also create an enchanting and aromatic atmosphere. Symbols and artwork related to Wiccan beliefs are often used to decorate the kitchen. The pentacle, a five-pointed star within a circle, is one of the most recognizable symbols of Wicca and can be incorporated into kitchen decor in various ways. This symbol represents the five elements (earth, air, fire, water, and spirit) and is often seen as a protective emblem. Other symbols such as the triple goddess symbol (representing the maiden, mother, and crone) and the moon phases can also be incorporated into artwork or decorative items in the kitchen. Creating a sacred and magical space in the kitchen can be a beautiful way to connect with Wiccan beliefs and practices. By incorporating natural elements, altars, herbs, and symbolic artwork, you can infuse your kitchen with the energy and spirituality of Wicca. Whether you are cooking a meal or conducting a ritual, the atmosphere of your kitchen can enhance your spiritual experience and deepen your connection to the divine..
Reviews for "Spells in the Kitchen: Wiccan Decor for Cooking and Dining Rituals"
1. Review from Sarah - 1/5 stars: I was really disappointed with the Wiccan kitchen decor I purchased. The quality was very poor and the items looked cheaply made. The colors were all faded and the designs were poorly printed. I was expecting something more vibrant and well-crafted. I ended up returning all the items as they didn't match the pictures or description online. I wouldn't recommend buying Wiccan kitchen decor from this brand.
2. Review from Mark - 2/5 stars: The Wiccan kitchen decor I bought didn't meet my expectations. The materials used were not durable and started showing signs of wear and tear within a few weeks. Additionally, the print on the items was off-center and looked sloppy. I expected better craftsmanship for the price I paid. The designs were nice but the execution was lacking. Overall, I wouldn't purchase Wiccan kitchen decor from this brand again.
3. Review from Emily - 2/5 stars: I was excited to add some Wiccan kitchen decor to my home, but I was disappointed with the quality of the items. The colors were dull and didn't match the vibrant images online. The product descriptions also didn't accurately represent the materials used. The items felt flimsy and didn't hold up well. I had to replace them within a few months. I would caution others against purchasing Wiccan kitchen decor from this brand if they are looking for something durable and true to the advertised appearance.