Arin Murphy-Hiscock collection

Years ago, especially during my 20’s when I was single and living alone, I would’ve (proudly) described my practice as gritty, crude…undomesticated. The work burned hot and fast, everything seemed more temporary. Living in an urban area, and so close to the places I grew up, influenced everything.

I think those characteristics still exist at the core, but as I started to shift away from my maiden aspect and focus on building a family and home, I knew I wanted (needed) to integrate elements of hearthcraft into my practice. This account was actually created as an exercise in incorporating more nourishment, stability, softness, and beauty into my usual work.

At the time, I found author Arin Murphy-Hiscock (@arinmurphyhiscock) and her books on green/kitchen witchcraft. I was especially fond of The Hidden Meaning of Birds—A Spiritual Field Guide and it’s still one of my favorite small references.

I really loved Arin’s philosophies and basic ideas for implementing kitchen and hearth-focused rituals into a folk practice, such as preparing meals with awareness, blessing spaces, and following a path of nurturing. After “The House Witch,” I picked up “The Green Witch’s Garden,” which was my inspiration for starting a moon garden.

There’s also a corresponding Green Witch’s Oracle Deck with art by Sara Richard (@sararichardart). I don’t often use them to read because the cards are a bit big for my hands but I love the symbology and associations on the cards.

Now that I’ve had nearly a decade to develop a lot of my own hearth-based practices and customs, I’m grateful to have had Arin’s work as a jumping off point.

Speaking of gardens, I finally woke up this week with a semblance of motivation and got a few things in the ground, including my marigolds, rosemary, snow peas, lettuce, parsley, and a few different tomatoes. Luckily my lavender, yarrow, and columbine came back super strong. It’s such a relief to be pulled outside again.