A Dark and Secret Magic

by Wallis Kinney

Rosemary is for remembrance. In the hands of a trained witch, rosemary can feed and amplify her intention to honor her ancestors.

“Intention is what feeds magic. The desire to have something done and then increasing the chances that it will happen, all through our intention.”

Luckily, everything in this world can feed intention. Plants, animals, technology. If you can touch it, see it, or imagine it, it can amplify your ability to do magic. As a hedge witch, you’ll work with nature. Herbs and plants will help you channel your intention. It’s important to know what you should reach for when you’re practicing your craft.”

“Sage for wisdom. Dried rose petals for love. Thyme, parsley, oregano. All things that can be found in any kitchen.

When the chickpeas are fried and the charred mushrooms have cooled, I assemble a plate of pasta, chicken, and vegetables. The final touches are a ball of creamy burrata cheese, aged Parmesan, fresh butter, and balsamic vinegar drizzled over the entire dish.

Whenever I am this unsettled, there is one tried and true cure. The forest.

“The poison is in the dose … and in the intention,”

“All will be well,”

Nutmeg, allspice, bay, cinnamon, vanilla, and black tea leaves. With each new addition, I imagine the wooden floors and walls of the house absorbing the aroma of fall and welcoming in the changing energy of the new year.

“Hedge craft, first and foremost, is the balance between life and death energies. A hedge witch is guardian to the living and the dead alike.”

I grab a packet of ravioli, a bushel of Brussel sprouts, and a brown package of bacon tied up with twine I’d purchased from the butcher a few days before. My plan is to brown some butter, sauté the bacon and sprouts, mix all these ingredients together,

“Part of hedge craft is grounding oneself in the environment. It’s how I can travel through the Ipswich Forest and never get lost. If there’s something living connected to the land, I can touch it and gain a sense of direction.”