Mrs. B's Guide to Household Witchery: Everyday Magic, Spells, and Recipes

by Kris Bradley

For domestic goddesses everywhere--add some magic and fun to those mundane household chores with "Mrs. B.'s Guide to Household Witchery." Whether you're sweeping the floor, making a meal, or cleaning out that junk drawer, domestic witch Kris Bradley, creator of the popular blog, "Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom," will show you how to create spells and magic to bring happiness and balance into your home. Bradley offers ideas and solutions to make the most out of everyday items, activities, and obligations. From Anchovies to Broccoli, and Wine to Yeast, from sweeping the floor to blow-drying your hair, you can change your outlook on life with a pinch of knowledge and a dash of magic! The book includes simple rituals, spells, and ways to connect with the spirits that watch over your home and family. Includes an appendix of herbs and a complete materia magica from the kitchen pantry.

"Mrs. B's Guide to Household Witchery" features:
Room by Room: How to create magic while you cook, set up a family altar in the living room, or do a junk drawer divination. The Elements for the Domestic Witch: a primer on the 4 elements and how to balance them in your home. The Domestic Witch's Herbal: Magical uses for every herb and food in your pantry, as well as instant magic with prepackaged spice mixes. Simple Sabbats for the Busy Witch: simple ways to celebrate the passing of the seasons. Magical Recipes: More than 100 recipes and spells.

Genres: Witchcraft, Nonfiction, Paganism, Spirituality, Wicca, Magic, Magick

224 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2012

About the author

Kris Bradley, aka "Mrs.B.", is the author of the now retired Pagan blog, Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom.

Reviews

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic resource - Mrs B goes by rooms and  what charms you might do for each, lists helpful deities and spirits, common herb/ingredient magical associations, appendices, resources. There's even a low-energy guide for the sabbats (with the assumption the reader is a housewife and  mother, but works for anyone looking for an easier way to celebrate)

[Diana Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is hands down one of the most engaging and practical books you can read on bringing witchcraft and magick into your home for its enrichment, protection, and for fostering spiritual growth with your loved ones.

We all often forget in this busy world where we each must divide our time amongst our loved ones and family, our jobs, and the maintenance of our homes. So much so that we frequently neglect to spare out time to nourish our own spiritual pursuits and incorporate them into our daily lives.

In “Mrs. B’s Guide to Household Witchery: Everyday Magic, Spells, and Recipes”, Kris Bradley shares her knowledge and experience as a practicing witch, a devoted mother, and the keeper of her home and hearth in this amazing book. Full of hints, recipes, spells and rituals that even the busiest household witch can fit into their day and daily routine This is a book that every Domestic Witch should have in their home.

5 out of 5 stars!

(This review is based on a free copy of the book that was received either from the book publisher or the book author.)

[Melissa ♥ Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is absolutely one of the best books that I have read on the subject of Household Witchcraft and Magick in general. Bradley doesn't bog us down with the basics as a 101 Primer might but rather jumps right into it with lots of incredibly easy and practical spells and recipes. She's engaging and real throughout and the book is chock full of information including:

Simple rituals for the solitary practitioner or the whole family
Ways to get children involved
Spells for cleansing and protection
Use of various herbs
A great list of domestic deities
She shows us that almost everything that we need to effectively bring harmony and balance into our homes, are for the most part already here. No need to go out and buy expensive tools or ingredients...a simple wooden spoon from ones drawer and the spices in your cupboard are the place to start. And doesn't it intuitively make sense anyway...to use things that are already an integral part of your home to bring about the desired effect within your space?

For me though, the best part of this whole book was the message that Magick doesn't have to be all or nothing. As someone who doesn't necessarily define myself as Pagan, but obviously has some very strong Pagan tendencies...I've been hoping and trying for years to find a way to work more spirituality, more thankfulness, more environmental awareness and more Magick into my everyday life. After reading this book I feel empowered to do just that...no prerequisites, no fancy tools required, and most importantly no huge time commitment needed. It all starts with me and my intentions. I think that is a lesson that we all need to be reminded of periodically.

If you are looking for a simple and straightforward way to start to bring a little magick into your heart and hearth...look no further than Mrs. B's Guide to Household Witchery: Everyday Magic, Spells, and Recipes by Kris Bradley.

[Angela Holtz · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Lilac Wolf and Stuff

I'm so excited to write this review. I've been following Kris Bradley's blog Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom for a few years now, and also on Facebook. She's a thoughtful witch with so many well written articles out there in the cyber-world. I was so happy for her when she got this book deal, and after sitting down with my copy, I know she deserved it.

It's full of information that is written with a conversational tone. It makes it a fast and easy read. I went through the book in one sitting. Granted, I didn't scrutinize every bit, but I didn't miss much either. This is a keeper! The herbs and deity information she includes is priceless. I love cooking, and she encourages us to be mindful of the herbs we use to include a little magic in our everyday. I enjoyed going room to room and looking through all her ideas to add spirituality to every space in your home. I also enjoyed the family hearth and altar. Recognizing that most families don't have a fireplace anymore, she gives ideas to build your own hearth. This book lit a fire under me, and I have loads of ideas I now want to try in my own home.

I fully recommend this book to both new and experienced pagans. Going through this book, I felt the old flame I found reading Silver Ravenwolf and Scott Cunningham.

[Michaelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, thankfully it doesn't bore you with basics but get's right into the practical day-to-day guide to household witchery and magick. I love section that gives examples of every day items that can be used in magickal spells and to bring magick into your life. I can't tell you how many times I've heard someone say that they would love to get into witchcraft but don't have the money to buy all the tools. With this guide hopefully they will understand they don't need fancy tools. Magick is around us inn our every day lives. This book will stay out and remain one of my well used reference.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple yet informative. Lots of ideas to inspire the creation of sacred space within the home, in all areas of the house. Ideas for simple spell craft and for invoking a household Deity

[Nikki Vera · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good info, but VERY deity-focused, and a little culturally-appropriative (and uses the G-slur).

[H · Rating 3 out of 5]

I couldn't tell you what motivated me to pick this up, but it was a cute throwback to my teenage interest in, "housewife witches" (probably the result of my having read Practical Magic).

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

A favourite of mine alongside Ellen Dugan's "Cottage Witchery".
A marvellous wee book to have on your shelf should hearth witchery and the like be of interest to you, I think!

[jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it! I wrote a some of the spells and mixes down in my BOS ^^

[S.M. Blooding · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gets five BIG dragons!!!!

I’ll admit. I’d stepped away from Wicca for awhile. It wasn’t because it was a bad experience, but because I needed to become a better person before coming back into it. Sounds odd. I know. Wicca truly helps you deal with that. It really does, just like any religion, but I had a WHOLE LOT of ugly in me.

I have tons and tons and TONS of books on Wicca and spells and Wiccan crafts and being a solitary witch, and…well, the list goes on and on. I decided this year that I needed to get back into it. I’d made a LOT of improvements on my Who-ness.

But the books I have and the ones I picked up just felt…off. Maybe it was the fact that I’d been away from it for so long, or the fact that…well, a lot of CRAP really has happened in the past seven years. When I decided to pick the Craft back up, I didn’t realize I’d struggle with it so much.

I needed something for the everyday and I needed something to help me fill this hole in my soul. I’m a solitary witch because I’m afraid to let others close to me in this arena. Reading this book was like dishing about magick, and the everyday things with a friend.

Now, don’t get me wrong. There’s information that I breezed right over, stuff that I’ve gone over and over, or things that just don’t interest me.

But! There were things in here that I’ve been going over since the days I started practicing…oh, shoot, a looooong time ago, that brought new life into old practices! It’s because, I think, Mrs. B didn’t write this book with an attitude of, “I’m a big Wiccan So and So, and I must share my wealth of knowledge.” She wrote it with an attitude of, “Well, guys, this is just what I do. I think it’s neat. What do you think?” After reading her book, I just wanted to share her kitchen and putter around.

You’re not really going to find things in this book that aren’t practical. The only spices or ingredients you’ll find in here are things you’ll already have in your pantry! There’s even an on-the-go kit she shares with us using pumpkin pie spice. Do you think I’ll try that? Heck yeah! You know why? Because I already HAVE the pumpkin pie spice…right here…in my kitchen.

Another thing that I loved about this book is that she has practices for the solitary witch and for those practicing in small groups. A lot of books that I have are either for large groups, or for solitary witches, but rarely do I find both.

Overall, I just love this book. It’s by far my favorite on my already overwhelmed magick bookcase. And? This one’s going to be used. *chuckles* You know what I mean. There are all these books filled with great things and ideas, and after reading through them once, they go back on the shelves never to resurface again. Not this one! I think it’s going to be awhile before it ends up on my shelf. For now, it’s going in my kitchen. Where I can use it everyday.

[Aisha Oaktree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review Originally Posted By The Broomstick

GET YOURSELF A COPY!!!! Yep that's the review folks, I don't have to wax on about the awesomeness of this book, it simply speaks for itself. It's small compared to some of the other books out there, but it's still good. The book is broken down into several sections. heck I didn't even think of using brussel sprouts in magick (well to be fair I hate brussel sprouts). Kris covers everything from making your own household protection spells, to charming your bedroom for you and your partner. i loved the Book of Love/Shadows that she suggested, it's like a scrapbook of your love. (I'm sooo doing that)

Another review mentioned that the book doesn't go in depth into Guardians, and she's right it compromises about 1 maybe two pages of information on Guardians, while having tons of information of deities. Personal preferences aside, guardians are usually something that are tricky to write about because they differ in each place. The Guardians that presented themselves at my home close to the woods are totally different from the ones here in the city. Their appearances their mannerisms, even the magick attached to them is different. I believe the information provided was adequate enough for those who aren't familiar with their Guardians to get to know them.

Kris's speciality is making the mundane magical and here she shows us how to do so as well, I loved reading this book along with Cunningham's Magical Household and utilising what was listed in both, Kris's everyday list was easier to follow than some of the things listed in other books. Not only does this book contain well known tricks like the witch's bottle, but new ideas especially in the laundry room. Now I'm looking at my home in a whole different way. There are many ways to adapt what is shared within the pages if you need to as she gives a pretty decent herbal as well as a references of items by the magical need.

This is a book I'm keeping and recommending to those I know who are dabbling in household magick to get. Make sure to get your copy. Can't break the budget to get a copy?? Enter in for a chance to win a copy. Simply click the Giveaway and follow the directions.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was often of two minds while reading this book. It is defintely aimed at the basic or just-past-basic level, which at times felt slow and uninteresting to me. That's only because of where I am in my practice, though; I know that this kind of pacing would be perfect for many other readers, especially those changing their outlook on making magic a part of everyday life. On the other hand, I did see ideas and suggestions that took me by surprise and gave me something new to think about. I'm not too proud to say that I'm one who often scoffs at books which claim to make magic accessable to all and ready to cast with no planning whatsoever. I prefer my magic with a bit of time and effort. But some of the ideas--such as using ready-made spice mixes (like pumpkin pie spice) for their own magical ends--were rather ingenius.

Being a voracious reader, I usually read every word of a book, from forward to bibliography. This time, however, I had to allow a few skips just to keep making progress. This was only for the herbal listings and sabbat rituals in the middle of the book. I don't have a problem reading through correspondences, but this just seemed to drag. That doesn't mean that it wasn't useful, only that I can see it as a reference more than reading material.

The inclusion of each of the herbs'/foods' culinary uses was the only thing that actually bothered me about the book. I have seen plenty of books pad out their herbal magic information by talking about herbal *medicine*, but this seemed even beyond that. I get that it somewhat fits with the "household witchery" theme, but I really believe it was unnecessary and distracting from the true purpose of the book.

I realize that these little hiccoughs are something that only apply to a person in my position, so if you are a newcomer, a new parent, in the process of reviving your practice, or bringing it closer in line with your mundane life, I do highly recommend this book.

[Krystal Willingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has become my new favorite magical book. It is full of actual useful information that anyone can use whether you are a beginner in magick or an expert. It doesn't matter because everything is simple and easy to understand. Best of all everything makes sense and can actually be incorporated into your everyday life. I can't say that about many magical books out on the market right now. Goddess knows I have many magical books and not any of them come close to giving me this kind of information in such an easy to use and practical way to use it. I love this book! As if, I haven't said that enough. lol

Being a practicing Witch myself, I come across many books that are helpful and true to the Wiccan way. While some are really great and really help a witch out some really don't live up to all of the hype. Well, Mrs. B's lives up to the hype and would be a wonderful addition to any witchy bookshelf.

I like how all of the spells and information is laid out for you and everything is simple and easy to understand. I love how Mrs. B focuses on each part of the house individual instead of the house as a whole. That way you can make sure all of your bases are covered over your whole house. I also love that to do any of the spells you don’t have to hunt down what you would need or try to figure out what in the world she is talking about. I have come across some books that call for things that I have never even heard of and then I am left wondering how in the heck I am going to do this spell when I don’t even know what the book is talking about or where I can find this stuff. Never will you have that problem with this book and boy am I thankful!

*Disclosure Notice*
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my personal and honest review. I was not compensated in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a concise guide to domestic witchery, covering the basics in six chapters and three appendices. Mrs. B skips the fundamentals of witchcraft, assuming that the reader is already familiar with them. I think this book would be a bit confusing for an absolute beginner, mostly because the beginner might wonder why you'd do this sort of thing. But for a reader who already knows the basics of magic and ritual, this book is filled with helpful information: a list of domestic deities, magical recipes using everyday herbs and foods, a guide to the magical and culinary uses of many kitchen staples, and appendices of correspondences. Other books offer lists of correspondences and magical recipes, so someone who has these already may not need this particular book. However, my favorite chapters were the ones that may be unique to this book: making each room of your home magical, how to relate the elements to the home, and (my favorite of the favorites) simple sabbat rituals for solitary and small group use. This would be a good book for someone interested in learning how to make their "generic" witchcraft specifically domestic.

[Jen McConnel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't wait to curl up with this excellent book, and I wasn't disappointed. Usually, I read craft manuals in small chunks, but I flew through Mrs. B's Guide to Household Witchery. Kris Bradley has provided wonderful spells and rituals that any witch can do. Although she doesn't spend a lot of time on Magic 101, Bradley does offer an excellent herbal section with culinary and magical correspondences, as well as an in-depth exploration of household deities from around the world.

Told with an intelligent, conversational tone, Mrs. B's Guide to Household Witchery is bound to become one of your favorite magical tools. Bradley shows, over and over, how easy it is to incorporate a magical and spiritual practice into your mundane life. I especially like the section on the Sabbats. Anything that makes magic more accessible is important, and Bradley has certainly done that! A great read, especially for witchy women trying to balance the demands of home and family and still add sparks to their lives.

[Line Skori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book. But it doesn`t really stand out from a lot of the other books I read on this topic. It has some good advises for different spells etc.
And is easy to read, well putten together.
Tough I would recommend to have this book on paperform. I had it on ebook, and it kind of ruined it.
I think this book would be better as paperform, coz then you can flip through to the stuff you are looking for. :)
Coz it has a good list of different herbs and their meanings.
There are also household groceries and how to use them in the house or in magic rituals.
So all in all this is a good book to look up things in :)
I ended up rating it 4 out of 6 stars.
Since it`s a good book. But I felt there was missing something + it was for me like most the other books I read on this topic :)

[Jesse Kimmel-Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is awesome. You can see where Kris has taken the time to really think about how busy a mom's life can be. I've been a Pagan since I was about 11 years old. I want to pass this on to my kids. This book has lots of little ways to get kids involved in the Sabbaths and they aren't hard to do.

I love how Kris breaks down so it isn't overly complex, and goes as far as making sure that a Pagan can have even a quick small ritual- totally understanding that sometimes the only thing you have is 5 minutes.

I can't wait to make some of the oils and washes.

This is a great read for busy witches with households that don't have a huge income or a lot of time. I hope that Kris writes more books like this.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't read this book cover-to-cover, as it is a reference book, but I've made my roundabout way through most of it. As someone who is curious and probably more of a beginner when it comes to "magic", I am finding this book clear, simple and wonderful. The section on celebratory rituals for the sabbats explains what might be called "entry-level", easy ways to mark those days, either as an individual or with children. The section on the magical properties of various foods and herbs is, again, clear, understandable and makes me want to start experimenting with my cooking. This book is really Witchery 101; it is readable and fun. If you are like me, even mildly interested, this is an excellent place to start.

[Angela Pippinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the better 101 books on the market. But really, it's not even a 101 book. It's more like a 101 and 201 rolled together. Kris shares how to bring the Divine into every mundane thing you do in your day. On top of that, she doesn't stick with the "tried and true" deities. She digs right in and shares with you about those you don't hear often and want to research further. And I am quite glad to see more Hoodoo on the market.....there is simply not enough Hoodoo being made available!

I plan on moving very soon and I cannot wait to use this book in the new home. It's sure to set a good solid magical foundation that I will be able to rely on.

[Lori Tatar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mrs. B's Guide to Household Witchery is a fun book, and you don't have to be Pagan, Wiccan or any type of witch, wizard or warlock to enjoy it! Many tips and suggestions are likely things you already do or use, to one degree or another. If nothing else, this book adds meaning to simple things most of us are already in the habit of. Ever used room deodorizer, deep cleaned with natural ingredients or mentally banished the bad mojo someone left behind? Take it seriously if you want, or read it for fun, but read it! It's worth the effort and doesn't really feel like effort at all!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the honor of winning this in a FR giveaway and it is a great book! I do not practice witchery, but have been interested in it for awhile, and this book was amazing! It's great for beginners (like myself) as well as those more experienced with witchery. It has great spells and rituals, and I love how Mrs. B gives some history and nice snippets of information along with some of the spells and rituals. The format of her book is very reader-friendly and there are tons of great choices to choose from. If you are interested in witchery, or practicing, this is a must have book!!

[Anna Katherina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was a tad disappointed in this after hearing so much hype around the book. I didn't find near as much information in it as useful as I was lead to believe and the spells and suggestions are rather minimal in my opinion. It is still a decent-ish addition to the bookshelf, though- especially if you are newer to Domestic Magics and are simply looking for a place to start. I don't believe it will be of much great use to the more advanced practitioner of these schools, however- nor to people who don't utilize Eclectic NeoPagan methodologies.

[Yusnia Sakti]

Reading this part of the book detail, "...can change your outlook on life with a pinch of knowledge and a dash of magic." really makes me want to read this magical book. If magic can be a groovy solution, I do really want to try the spell :D. Anyway, last night I watched all Harry Potter movies and then suddenly saw this book on giveaway list, what a coincidence. Looks like, magic and me are intertwined to each other :D

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mrs. B has created such an incredible reference book for kitchen witches of any level! Aside from helpful tips on adding magic to mundane tasks, Mrs. B gives expansive lists of correlations (e.g., which herbs can be used to honor which deity). I thoroughly enjoyed her down-to-earth style, and I know I'll be coming back to this book for the wonderful lists as well as the many recipes!

[Jae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Down to earth and creative guide to bringing magic into the home and involving the family. Great for beginners, as well as some interesting ideas that more advanced witches may find useful. If you do not work with deities, it is easy to remove them, as the magic workings are written to be flexible.

[Nicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great quick reference book! Lots of correspondences for easy to find items. I personally found the kitchen witch portion to be the most helpful, this book will probably stay close to my kitchen!

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book; but then again I knew I would. Well written and has a fresh outlook. I would highly recommend this book for all us domestic witches!

[Stephanie Cottom · Rating 5 out of 5]

appeals both to the novice and the long term (often a bit jaded) practitioner

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come