Robert's Corner
The collected writings of Robert Phoenix on Pennsylvania German Powwow — charms and cures, history, herb-lore, and folk wisdom, gathered from 2011 to 2023.
Welcome to Robert’s Corner — the gathered writings of Robert Phoenix on Pennsylvania German Powwow, spanning 2011 to 2023. Charms and cures, history and herb-lore, faith and folk wisdom: a lifetime’s study, preserved here just as he wrote it.
New here? Start with Who is Robert? — his story in his own words.
Browse by year or by topic below.
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Easy Homemade Candles
There is so much satisfaction in crafting your own things, like home remedies or candles — here is the quick and easy way to make lovely beeswax candles.
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Family History
I've been piecing together my family history for over twenty years and am very proud of what I've managed to find — including Brauchers in my Pennsylvania German lineage.
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Bowling Angels
Tonight, as I type this, we are experiencing a rare but much-anticipated thunder and lightning rain storm — and the angels are bowling.
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New Orleans Plantation Vodou
Understanding the difference between Vodou as religion and Hoodoo as magical practice — and what this reveals about folk healing traditions.
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Powwow Newspaper Article 1976
A historical newspaper article about Powwow from the Lock Haven Express, November 1976.
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The Bayou Treateur
In Louisiana, the very same practices that are kept by traditional Powwowers are also kept alive within the tradition of "treateur" — the Louisiana version of Powwowing.
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Appalachian Granny Magic
The following documentary is a fascinating look at the Appalachian "granny" healers and their folk magic traditions.
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The Regulars
There is a young couple local to me that comes to me regularly for various Powwowing. They don't make appointments, they don't have a schedule, they just sort of show up whenever they like.
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The Three Crosses
Powwow charms are all spoken in the name of the Holy Trinity as found within Christian tradition.
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Where is PA Dutch Country?
When the waves of immigration began in the 1600's from the German-speaking lands to the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, a majority of those first brave souls settled in the Philadelphia area.
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Are Powwows Psychic?
This is a new question that I was asked today. Are Powwows Psychic?
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Making Apple Butter!!!
Apple Butter is a Pennsylvania Dutch table staple! Growing up, my grandmother always had fresh Apple Butter on the table with warm, fresh-baked bread. It was...
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The Powwow Guy
My YouTube channel ( along with this website ) is my public face of Powwowing. I've spent countless hours working on videos and instructional information to ...
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PA Dutch breakfast!
My grandmother liked to have a lot of choices at meal times. Breakfast was always my favorite because there were cereals and hot chocolate and toast and egg ...
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Preparing for Spring!
I know Spring isn't officially here yet, and it won't be for some time, but it's a good time to start your planning for the end of winter!
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Homemade Hamburger Rolls!
Tonight I am making burgers for dinner and so I needed to bake some rolls.
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Kitchen First Aid
One of my favorite aspects of Powwow is herbal medicine. I love using herbs and plants to make medicine. There is something extremely fulfilling about making...
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Adherence to Tradition
When I was a kid, along with my brother and sister, we were practically raised by our grandparents. They were Pennsylvania German through and through. My gra...
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The Full Moon
In Pennsylvania Dutch culture, the awareness of the Full Moon is important for both agricultural and Powwowing purposes.
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The Full Moon
In Pennsylvania Dutch culture, the Full Moon is an important lunar phase for agricultural and weather prediction. It is also a time for Powwow for various ma...