Customer Reviews

Kitchen Witchery: A Compendium of Oils, Unguents, Incense, Tinctures, and Comestibles

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I purchased Kitchen Witchery from a local bookstore and returned it the next day. Normally a fan of Weiser books, I was shocked to find blatant plagiarism of so many other (mostly Llewellyn) books. This book is a mixture of the entire Complete Book of Incense, Oils & Brews by Scott Cunningham with a few other sources from authors Laurie Cabot and the Farrars. Daniel has so very thinly paraphrased Cunningham's own words (example: "always stir clockwise" becomes rewritten as "stir clockwise always") that I am amazed this was published by such a reputable firm as Weiser. The worst part of this collection of "secrets" is that Daniel has listed identitcal recipes from other authors but CHANGED THE INGREDIENT AMOUNTS as well as left out important information about safe handling of the ingredients. This book reads like a garbled online Book of Shadows and is an insult to the hard work done by the authors listed in Daniel's bibliography.

Many times I have picked up this book to purchase it and then put it down again. The recipes are tempting and many, but I have a few problems with the author. I have borrowed this book from friends, but when it comes to endorsing it with my purchase, a little red flag goes up.

I am not new to witchcraft, and a lot of the instructions seem overly ritualistic to me. "Always stir in a clockwise direction" comes to mind. Daniel makes it sound as if the form and technique are more important than the function, and rarely if ever describes magical intent and the true purpose behind one's ritualistic endeavors (that is, self-programming to bring about change).

Daniel tends to lead a reader to think that if her precise instructions are not followed, the "spell" will not work. This is not a commonly held belief in the pagan traditions -- it is widely acknowledged that "magic" things happen because you have brought the change from within. In this regard, she can greatly confuse a person who is trying to find out more about the practical practise of Wicca or witchcraft. Perhaps Daniel is a highly ritualistic person herself, but she should at least mention that she is not following the mainstream traditions. Yes, many do think you can add power by stirring a certain way, but if you happen to act otherwise, it's not the end of the world because what really matters is one's focus and determination to bring about the change.

There are many fragrant and useful recipes compiled within. However, I believe I have seen most of them published in other people's works (Scott Cunningham and Laurie Cabot, for starters, and there are many more). I do not know if she gained clearance before publishing them in "her" book, but none of the seemingly plagiarized tables and recipes are credited to the other authors.

I keep considering this book for purchase because all of these nifty recipes are conveniently contained within one volume. I keep putting it down because I disagree with Daniel's tone and narrow-minded instructions. I do not like that the other authors are not credited with their works, but I do not know what went on behind the scenes with the publishers.

My hope for anyone considering this book is that if they do purchase it, they do so with open eyes about the content and the tone. If you can do it with a clear conscience, go ahead and get it; if not, best to choose a different book.

I own this book, I would have returned it but the cover got damaged. As previous reviewers have stated this book is pretty much nothing but plagiarism. 400 recipes, several of which Iam looking at right now in Cunningham's Incense, Oils & Brews, the only difference between many of the recipes is the proportions and the difference is 1 drop for each component oil. While it's nice to have one book to refer to, spend the extra money and buy the originals (Cunningham, Cabot, Farrar) at least that way the proper people, or their estates, get the money and maybe someone elses life work won't get ripped off.

Terrible. This book is literally a direct copy of Scott Cunningham's book Incense, Oils and brews (which is fantastic, by the way). Go with the classic. I cannot understand how the author can actually publish a book like this. Didn't anyone catch this?

Also, to note another review- things like stirring clockwise, numbers of drops, etc. are actually significant with applied magic. Even hours you do something and days are important! When you work with subtle forces, everything has significance. Get used to it.

>>>In addition to advice for buying, storing, and blending essential oils (always stir clockwise), Marilyn reveals her secrets for making incense, bath salts, soaps, ointments, potpourri, ink, and more.<<<

Well, not only do the vast majority of these recipes come from (or are barely alterations of) Cunningham's work, this "secret" to "always stir clockwise" also comes directly from Cunningham's "The Complete Book of Incense, Oils & Brews" in which he also gives advice on "buying, storing & blending essential oils" as a trained aromatherapist. What can also be found in this book, verbatum, are Cunningham's "Tables for Magickal Substitution", and several recipes from from Laurie Cabot's work, among others. One such glaring example was what Marilyn titles "Organic Love Potions". She states: "Combine any 3 of the following ingrednients in 1 cup of water: apples, cloves, cinnamon, lovage-root powder, yarrow flowers, strawberry oil, patchouli Oil, or musk oil." This exact recipe can be found in Laurie Cabot's book "Power Of The Witch", thusly (published more than a decade prior), "A bewitching, organic, perfume starts with herbs and spices. Simmer any three of the following ingredients in a cup or two of spring water with a tablespoon of sea salt: apples, cloves, cinnamon, lovage-root powder, yarrow flowers, strawberry oil, patchouli Oil, or musk oil." And, no credit is given to any of the authors for their own creative genius. So, as unkind as it may sound, this is a work of pure plagiarism. In fact, I owned my copy for a total of 15 minutes. Until I gave this book a closer look. Needless to say, I returned it for a prompt refund, stating exactly why, to the management. I also saw many of the Farrar's recipes included, as well. In another of Cunningham's books, he lists a variety of ingredients associated with each directional wind, like lavender, for the East Wind. Well, this very table was also included in Marilyn's big orange book, for goodness sake! So, I certainly wouldn't waste almost [$$$] for other authors' work, when they are not given credit. Especially when I happen to own the originals, anyway (which are oftimes touted as "classics").

>>>Readers will learn how to make a Tuberose Bouquet for attracting love...<<<

The ingredients in her recipes for the various "Bouquets," rather than developing her own (which, if you know what Tuberose smells like, is not too dificult), all come from Cunningham's work, as well. Albeit, she gives proportions, whereas Cunningham does not.

>>>Marilyn serves up her famous recipes for goodies like Sabbat Cakes and Wiccan Handfasting Cake, and drinks such as Nettle Ale and the Milk of Isis.<<<

I believe that I saw Laurie Cabot's book "Celebrate The Earth" referenced in her "Bibliography", so, some of the food recipes Laurie lovingly published in "Celebrate The Earth" might also have found there way in "Kitchen Witchery" at the hand of Marilyn. So, just be on the look-out. In fact, some authors whom she plagiarised were found within this book, while others were not. How odd...

>>>And should a witch find herself in the middle of a recipe with a missing ingredient, she can find a worthy substitute in the extensive list provided.<<<

I recall this, and believe that it comes from Scott Cunningham's list of "substitutions," in which, he details how one might go about choosing a substitute, rather than picking willy-nilly at ONLY the substitues which marylin simply published, to my knowledge, without permission.

And, this author calls herself a "Wiccan HPs"??? I am at a loss for words, here, I'm afraid. I am very disappointed. [...]

Written by an alleged "ordined Wiccan High Priestess" who appear to have merely copied other authors work and compiled it into her own. Extremely disappointed that Weiser Books has allowed plagerism to be published under their name and shame on Ms Daniel. Hardly the actions one would expect from a HPs.

A great add to my collection. I will put it to use for many years.

This volume is a nuts and bolts collection of how to's. It includes excellent recipes and instructions presented in a clear and useful manner. Ms Daniels is a very focused writer and states her points without apology or compromise. A solid addition to the library.

Love the book. Am using it already. Will use seller again!! Book in great shape, arrived ahead of when they said it would. B

I got this book out of the library so many times I decided it was time to buy it!!! Great recipes. Can be used by magickal people and non-magickal people alike! If you are into soaps and such, this is a great book. Can't hurt to use great soap that has "other" benefits to it now can it?? LOL.