Robert's Corner on The Powwow Guy

Easy Homemade Candles

Mon, 22 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

There is so much satisfaction in crafting your own things, like home remedies or candles.

The is the quick and easy way to make lovely beeswax candles to add a touch of light and color and fragrance to your home. Here is what you need:

Beeswax pellets

Candle color chips (optional but preferred)

Scented oils

Candle molds

Double boiler

Candle wick string

The beeswax and the color chips are melted in a double boiler…

Family History

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0000

I’ve been piecing together my family history for over twenty years and am very proud of what I’ve managed to find.

My family is sacred to me; particularly through my father’s side.

In the mid 1800’s, Solomon and Sarah Koenig fled Austria to Pennsylvania so that they could honor their German Reformed religious beliefs.

Here in Pennsylvania, they gave birth to three children; two of whom we know their names are Henrietta and Mary. The third child is “unnamed” in our family tree.

Bowling Angels

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Tonight, as I type this, we are experiencing a rare but much-anticipated thunder and lightning rain storm. Generally speaking, we get thunder and lighning storms like this about once a year. They were much more frequent when I was a youngling. I’m honestly not sure why. If any of you know the science behind it, I’d be glad to hear it!

When we were young, thunder would rumble and crack loudly, causing the whole house to shake and filling our imaginations with terrible images of the End-of-Days or the violent retribution of God.

New Orleans Plantation Vodou

Sun, 12 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000

I learned so much from this video and I especially loved his clarification of what Vodou really is (and really is not) and how Hoodoo is a magical practice and Vodou is a religion. So much great information!

Powwow Newspaper Article 1976

Sat, 11 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Here’s an old article from the Lock Haven Express, November 22, 1976 — “Pow-Wow Doctors Still Have Devoted Following.”

Appalachian Granny Magic

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The following documentary is a fascinating look at the Appalachian “granny” healers!

The Bayou Treateur

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000

In Louisiana, the very same practices that are kept by traditional Powwowers are also kept alive within the tradition of “treatuer” which is basically the Louisiana version of Powwowing. The following documentary, made 25 years ago, is a beautiful testament to this tradition.

The Regulars

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000

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. And it’s OK. I’ve known them for about five years now and I’ve enjoyed getting to know them as well as being able to help them.

Today I was walking one of the dogs and as we walked through the car port into our backyard, my regular clients emerged from the pathway along the side of my house.

The Three Crosses

Sun, 05 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Powwow charms are all spoken in the name of the Holy Trinity as found within Christian tradition.

In all of our early grimoires, we see this instruction as far back as the late medeival Catholic church in England. Cunning folk were unquestionably Christian according to the grimoires we have from the 1400’s to the 1800’s.

The three crosses were a universal understanding placed at the end of each charm or ritual to mean “in the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost.”

Where is PA Dutch Country?

Sat, 04 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000

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 of Pennsylvania. As time passed, those folks moved north and east of Philadelphia and eventually the Pennsylvania Dutch Country was created.

The vast majority of Pennsylvania Dutch Country is the middle Eastern section of Pennsylvania, the southeast, and the south central counties of the state (as seen in the below image). Certainly, German-speaking immigrants have infiltrated all areas of the Commonwealth, but those that were exclusively “Pennsylvania Dutch” tended to stick to these particular regions.

Are Powwows Psychic?

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This is a new question that I was asked today. Are Powwows Psychic?

The immediate answer is No. A Powwow is not a psychic, nor should we be expected to function as one might expect a “psychic” to function.

That being said, we do hear the voice of God. We follow our Faith and the guidance of God, and this might sometimes seem like “psychic” ability, but really it’s just the voice of God guiding us and providing us the information we need to pass on to those who come to us for help.

Making Apple Butter!!!

Sun, 26 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000

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 offered at every single meal and even though I’m half a century old now, I still love the taste of homemade Apple Butter!

This recipe is easy, although it does take a few hours. But don’t worry, it’s not a lot of work!

10 large tart apples

PA Dutch breakfast!

Sun, 19 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000

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 bread and donuts…

Today I want to share with you my favorite recipe for PA Dutch Egg Bread, also known as Hootsla! This is NOT exactly my grandmother’s recipe. I remember her egg bread not having any sweetness to it, and she served it with molasses to put on top. My recipe is sweeter and I recommend covering it in maple syrup!

The Powwow Guy

Sun, 19 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000

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 help spread information about our tradition to those who are looking for proper teaching.

“The Powwow Guy” was a title given to me by someone back in 2011 when I was staying with a friend in Baltimore, Maryland. I had already begun to develop a reputation for myself as the authority on PA Dutch Powwow and someone said something along the lines of “Hey, you’re the Powwow Guy, can you help me?” and I loved the reference and have kept it ever since!

Preparing for Spring!

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000

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!

For starters, February is a good time to plan your veggie and herb gardens. What will you grow this year? Do you do crop rotation? What does your family need the most?

Purchase your lawn treatments now before the price goes up! Get some fertilizer and weed-killer (organic or chemical, whatever you use). Keep it handy because once the ground is thawed, you’ll want to put this stuff down. Then about six weeks later, do it again. This will give you a healthier lawn.

Homemade Hamburger Rolls!

Sun, 12 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Tonight I am making burgers for dinner and so I needed to bake some rolls.

Sure, it’s easy to go out and buy the store-brand rolls, but they are dry and tasteless and cost about 2 dollars. I’d rather make them at home so they are fresh, warm, delicious, and cost only a few cents!

To make these, you need the following:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp quick-rise yeast

Kitchen First Aid

Sat, 11 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000

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 your own remedies right in your kitchen; especially when I use herbs that I’ve grown myself.

Some herbs and plants are good for quick, first-aid remedies. Here are just a few:

Colds, coughs. Echinacea can be added to a disposable tea bag and added to a cup of regular tea. This helps clear the lungs and fight off the germs that cause colds. You can add honey to soothe your throat. You can add dandelion to give you a rich boost of nutrients and vitamins. You can also make a chest plaster of mustard powder, a little flour, and some warm water. Mix until it’s a nice thick consistency, spread it on a bit of gauze, then lay it on your chest.

Adherence to Tradition

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000

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 grandfather mixed German words with English. He literally built the house he lived in. My grandmother had her own vegetable garden and spent most of her day in the kitchen. They were both hard workers and had acres and acres of land that we kids played in for our entire childhood.

Easy Bread and Butter Pickles!

Sun, 05 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Today we made a batch of Bread and Butter Pickles that I know you will love!

1 1/2 pounds pickling cucumbers, sliced 1/4 inch thick

1 1/2 tbsp salt

1 cup thin sliced onion

1 cup sugar

1 cup white vinegar

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 1/2 tsps mustard seed

1/2 tsps celery seed

1/8 tsps ground turmeric

Combine cucumbers and salt in a large bowl. Cover. Refrigerate 1 1/2 hours.

The Full Moon

Sun, 05 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000

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 maladies, such as the removal of warts or the destruction of hexerei.

The Full Moon occurs 14 days into the lunar cycle. It is when the Moon is directly opposite the Sun and reflects fully the Sun’s light. As such, we should look to both the sign the Sun is in and the sign the Moon is in to work out which Powwow work is most effective at this time.

The Full Moon

Sun, 05 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000

In Pennsylvania Dutch culture, the awareness of the Full Moon is important for both agricultural and Powwowing purposes.

Today, Sunday February 5, 2023, the Full Moon is in the sign of Leo. Leo rules the heart and the spine.

The sun, however, is in the sign of Aquarius. This rules the lower parts of the legs, the shins, etc.

Together, they give us indication of which parts of the body to Powwow for. Remember that the Full Moon reflects the light of the Sun, so both signs should be considered.

History of Magic: Medieval to Early Modern

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This is a fantastic lecture by Dr. Tabitha Stanmore. This is the general understanding of magic that I’ve also pieced together over the years. Prior to the medieval period, magic was less “organized” and often attributed to the more “mysterious” places like India and Egypt.

This video is well worth the watch!

The Man of Signs

Sat, 28 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

As a Powwow, I am very much aware of what sign the Moon is traveling through, as this helps us to know the parts of the body that are highlighted. I mention the moon sign in all of my videos and I maintain that nothing is more important in our work than adherance to the sign the Moon is in.

Below is a chart from the Farmer’s Almanac about the qualities of each moon sign. Following that is a video I made some time ago about the moon in the signs.

To Fumigate Impure Air

Sat, 28 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Impurity can mean many things when it comes to a space you are occupying. It can mean the air is stale. It can mean there is something toxic in the air. It can be a foul scent or even the aftermath of a negative situation (a “feeling”).

In Powwow, we do have a means of fumigating an area. To find this, we go to Egyptian Secrets of Albertus Magnus, a pre-cursor to the American Grimoire, The Long Lost Friend.

What does Powwow "FEEL" like?

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

What does it feel like to be Powwowed? Years ago, when I first began learning how to Powwow, I wondered what it would “feel” like to actually BE Powwowed. Like, would I feel some sort of “tingle” or “energy”? Would I feel things inside my body realigning themselves into a healthier state? Would I feel the evil influence draining somehow from me until I felt whole and cleaned of the influence?

PA Dutch House Blessings

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

In the Pennsylvania Dutch culture, a House Blessing is a hand-written letter which offers protection to the bearer of the letter. These are sometimes carried in a wallet or tucked away in a family Bible. But in other instances, they can be beautiful works of art and are framed and hung prominently within the home. The letter promises both blessing and protection on the home and its inhabitants.

I have an original printing of a Johann Ritter himmelsbrief (Heaven’s Letter) made in Reading, Pennsylvania, sometime in the 1800’s (I’m not sure about the exact date).

Preparing for Spring!

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

I know it’s only mid-January, but here in Southcentral PA we have to begin preparing for Spring!

Today, Josani and I spent several hours cleaning up our property, removing the muck and leaves from the flower beds, etc. Normally, it would be advisable to keep the leaf cover as a protector for the winter that is probably going to come our way between now and March 31, but our property has a water drainage issue, which means water pools and collects in various areas, making swamp-like conditions. In an effort to reduce the collection of water (from snow and/or rain) we clear away as much ground mess as possible in January. This allows the water to drain and also flow through a few homemade trenches further away from our property.

Folk uses of silver

Sat, 14 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

In the Powwow tradition, items made of silver are generally talismanic or amuletic in origin. For example, nails made of silver (not lead) are believed to have both healing and protective powers. Silver can heal those afflicted by witchery and protect from further shenanigans of the local witch, much in the same way as iron.

Astrological talismans made of Silver are believed to have the powers of the Moon within them, therefore making them especially powerful against malevolence and witchery.

An ancient healing charm

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

In the early 1700’s in Europe, a book was published called Egyptische Geheimnisse für Menschen und Vieh.. This is, of course, the book we now know as “Egyptian Secrets of Albertus Magnus”.

The following charm is meant to cure the “wildfire”. In old times, this likely meant shingles. However, in modern times, this can include any sort of skin disorder or condition.

I strolled through a red forest, and in the red forest there was a red church, and in the red church stood a red Altar, and upon the red altar there lay a red knife; take the red knife and cut red bread. † † †

Anxiety home remedies

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The Powwow tradition has little to offer in the way of relieving symptoms of anxiety disorders. However, that does not mean we are without resources! Home remedies, such as herbal infusions and the like, are extremely well-known amongst the Pennsylvania Dutch, and far more accessible to everyday folk nowadays than they were, say, 20 years or so ago.

The following herbal remedies can be prescribed for yourself to help tame those days when your anxiety is overwhelming. As someone who suffers from an anxiety disorder, I can say in all sincerity that these remedies really do help!

Winter sickness home remedy

Wed, 28 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

I made a video for my youtube page containing the following recipe, but I was having microphone issues so I wanted to share one of the recipes here!

In our area, this is called a “Hot Toddy”. I’m not sure if that’s what it’s called everywhere, or if there are various names for it in different cultures. Nevertheless, it’s a very old recipe and it is almost like a miracle cure for chest congestion and annoying cold symptoms!

Pain removal ritual

Mon, 26 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Powwow has a number of methods for relieving pain. What follows is a very simple ritual that you can do for either yourself or another person/animal. Remember that all that works in Powwow for humans also works for animals, and vice versa.

For this ritual, you will need three sticks. The type of wood does not matter. You can find them easily on the ground, especially after a wind storm! We have a birch tree on our property that is constantly dropping branches, so I always have some on hand in case I need them. Also, you will need a place to dispose of the branches after you use them. I recommend a place in the woods where people seldom travel.

The Throw Stick

Mon, 26 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

I taught this information with my six-week course last year but decided that I wanted to share it here as it seems to be a lost practice within Powwow…

Several years ago, I was approached by a gentleman at an event where I was speaking about Powwow. He gave me his number and I later followed up with him and met him just outside of Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania in Schuylkill County.

Powwow in the UK

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 00:00:00 +0000

This was written by a student and dear friend of mine, who is a Powwow in the UK.

Powwowing – A Christian Folk Magical Healing System

“They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover”

Gospel of Mark 16:18

King James Version

I am a Powwower: a practitioner of the traditional Christian Folk Magical Healing system of the PA Dutch. The PA Dutch are the descendants of the German immigrants to Pennsylvania.

Hibiscus lemon syrup

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Hibiscus flowers have special properties that are believed to help reduce blood pressure and bad cholesterol. As we age, these things are more important for us to worry about, so no time like the present to get started on using home remedies!

Hibiscus flowers are, generally speaking, rather sour. So to make a syrup with them that involves lemon is perfect because the sourness is complimentary to the lemon and it all tastes wonderful!

Powwowing yourself

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 00:00:00 +0000

I have arthritis in both of my knees and in my hands (and let’s not even talk about my back). I’m getting older. Aches and pains and a little rheumatism are a natural part of the aging process. However, sometimes the swelling and pain (especially in my left knee) is debilitating.

Sunday afternoon I was washing the bedding. When the dryer was finished, I went down to the laundry room (in our basement) and carried the clean sheets up to the second floor. By the time I got to my son’s bedroom, my left knee was swollen and painful. I persevered, made his bed, then made my bed, and that’s when I knew I was in trouble.

A Blessing for your Adversaries

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Because Powwow is a Christian tradition, there are a number of charms that are designed to send your adversary away from you in the spirit of peace and truce. I like these charms because sometimes you just want to separate yourself from an individual with no hard feelings. One such charm is found in John George Hohman’s original work, The Friend in Need. It reads as follows:

“Here I go quite light of heart. We have drunk the blood of Jesus Christ. God the Father be by me, God the Son be by thee, and God the Holy Ghost who wisheth us both to part from one another in peace. In the Three Highest Names.” + + +

Gifts and favors - the sign of a true witch

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Here in Pennsylvania we have no shortage of stories of farmers and house maids having unfortunate run-ins with the local witch. Many of the stories begin innocently enough…. a farmer accepts a gift from a mysterious stranger… a new mother is visited by a vengeance seeker… a simple land dispute becomes a battle between good and evil…

Throughout our history, many instances of innocents becoming verhexed begin with the receiving of a gift. That gift might be something tangible, like a broom or a pitcher of milk. Or it might be something seemingly innocuous, like a kiss on the cheek or a whispered word…

The magical boundary

Sun, 01 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

As a Powwow, the protection of my home and my property are paramount to my successful healing work. Should something unwanted cross the boundary into my personal space, it could negatively impact my health, my family’s health and safety, and the efficacy of the work that I do. In order to ensure that I am protected at all times, I use my Powwow knowledge to create a magical boundary around my home so that I am always assured of magical privacy and protection.

The real power in a blood-stopping charm

Wed, 14 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0000

name, and the third has the power to stop the flow of blood.

Magical oddities in Powwow

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The Powwow tradition is no stranger to odd and unusual charms. Indeed, we Powwows are often judged harshly when a non-practitioner (ie. someone who doesn’t understand) gets ahold of one of our books and reads a few of our more obscure formulas and rituals. However, our tradition is much like any other folk tradition in that it has a healthy balance of approachable healing techniques and spells that are best kept secret…

Powwow in the garden

Sun, 16 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Bill and I have many flower gardens on our property. I also have a large vegetable garden and I grow herbs in pots on one of the patios. This year, I added a few herbs to the actual garden because they were growing so large they could no longer fit in the pots. 2020 was a bad year for the veggies and herbs (and life in general) but this year things are growing with a vengeance, and I’m really excited to see our stuff growing!

The Roadside Apothecary

Sun, 25 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Yesterday I wrote a blog post about finding Stickyweed (Sticky Willy) on the side of the road near my house. This morning I walked back up to that hillside to check out what other treasures I might find, and I was NOT disappointed!

Here is a picture of the hill (upper left hand side of the picture with the house and barn-like shed on top). The view is from the bar on my patio.

Sticky Willy: a super healer and cocktail mixer

Sat, 24 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0000

I love plants and their medicinal and folklore uses. Today as I was walking my dog near my house, I noticed an entire lovely hillside along the road that was positively covered in stickyweed (AKA Sticky Willy)! This is a lovely plant that has a sticky, almost velcro-like quality to it due to the tiny hair like growths along the stem. Sticky Willy grows like a weed and wraps around and climbs on whatever it touches, including itself. It can grow alongside most roads, so it’s likely you’ve seen it or have it near you.

A means of binding one who has wronged you

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0000

In folk magic, to “bind” someone is to cause them to be unable to cause harm or mischief until they are brought to justice. It is a means of bringing down divine intervention upon a criminal so that they are unable to take any type of action; leaving them vulnerable to capture by proper authorities. Imagine the thief being unable to flee….or the murderer to be unable to move from their hiding place… those are the ideas behind the old binding charms.

The Farmer and the Hex Man

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0000

This story is taken from Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Spirituality by Richard E. Wentz, 1993 published by the Pennsylvania German Society. I highly recommend this book! I’ve added my own commentary after the story….

….In Lebanon county when I was a boy there were two farms side by side where Trout Run slides along under Second Mountain.The richer farm, of course, was in the valley, the poorer up on the side of the mountain. The hill man worked for the valley man at most seasons of the year. They had a disagreement finally, not a very serious one, the valley man thought, but serious enough to make the hill man throw up his job and to refuse to come back to it even after a rather humble visit of his old employer.

Mustard Seed...faith and folklore

Sun, 18 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0000

or example, in the 500’s, mustard seed was believed to cure the bite and poison of a Scorpion! The seeds were also chewed on to releive toothaches. A plaster made of pulverized mustard seeds could aid with congestion by smearing on the bare chest. Even Saint Matthew knew the inherent powers of mustard seeds when he compared faith in Heaven to that of the mustard seed.

Healthy Citrus Water

Sat, 17 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Water is so crucial to our health and well-being, and we don’t seem to drink enough of it! Part of the reason might be that water is, well, boring. So I like to flavor it up while at the same time making it healthy and delicious.

For Citrus Water, all you need is a 2 Quart pitcher, 3 oranges, 2 lemons, 1 lime, and about a tablespoon of crushed spearmint.

Elderberry syrup

Sat, 03 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0000

My son and I were feeling extra kitcheny today, so after I finished making jam, he made Elderberry syrup! My son is 10 years old and fancies himself something of a “Green Witch”. It’s fun watching him work on remedies. I oversee just to make sure he doesn’t set the house on fire, but mostly he can do it all on his own.

You start by getting some dried elderberries, about two full cups. Add a few cloves, one or two cinnamon sticks, a few bits of fresh ginger, and two cups of water.

Homemade berry jam!

Sat, 03 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0000

For an extra Easter treat this year, I decided to make jam. My son found this recipe on his favorite You Tube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/TheGreenWitch/about" target="_blank" rel=“nofollow”>The Green Witch! I couldn’t settle on the type of berry I wanted to use so I decided to make a mixed berry jam using blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries.

It’s a little early in the year so the berries aren’t at their sweetest, but that’s ok.

April Fool's Day, the day of Eileschpiggel!

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000

April Fool’s Day is a day of trickery, traditionally devoted to “trickster spirits” like Loki in Scandinavian folklore, for example. An entire day filled with tricks and pranks to satisfy the child within us all but to also appease the trickster spirit that lurks behind the doors, ready to trip us up at first chance!

In Pennsylvania Dutch folklore, we have a trickster character that goes by the name of Eileschpiggel. Eileschpiggel is often seen as either a young man or a spry older Pennsylvania “Dutchy” man who delights in tricking that one character we’d all love to steer clear of…. the Devil himself..

Asthma prevention syrup

Sat, 27 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Last year I had COVID and it led to numerous bouts of pneumonia, which also led to some permanent lung issues. So now I have asthma and a rescue inhaler. One way I’ve been keeping myself healthy, in addition to a better diet and more exercise, is with Elderberry gummies every day. They have been amazing for my health! I highly recommend this affordable and tasty daily supplement.

In addition to the Elderberry remedy, I also recommend your own daily anti-asthma syrup. One tablespoon of this daily is a great way to reduce your asthma symptoms and help prevent any sudden attacks.

Charming at the crossroads

Sat, 27 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000

When one thinks of working charms at a crossroads, one likely thinks of hoodoo or other “conjure” traditions of the southern United States. And this would be correct. Powwow also utilizes a crossroads in our work.

“I met Jesus at the crossroads,

Where the two ways meet;

Satan too was standing there,

And he said, “Come this way,

Lots and lots of pleasures

I can give to you today!”

But I said, “No,

My crow protectors

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000

I’ve always had a love of crows. Growing up in the coal region of Pennsylvania, crows were the most common bird. Now that I live in South Central Pennsylvania, crows are just one of the bird types that live in my neighborhood, but they are definitely the most active and the noisiest!

My home is in a valley, of sorts, surrounded by steep hills and a lot of trees and nature. Some of the trees on the hills tower well above my house. And in the tops of those trees are the sentinel crows, the lucky few who guard the territory and warn the other crows when someone or something enters the area that doesn’t belong here.

Happy Spring!!!

Sat, 20 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000

For some reason, the older I get, the happier I feel when Spring arrives. It might be in part due to the pain I feel in my spine and my knees during the cold weather…. but there’s just something so energizing and exciting when you see the green returning to the earth and see the flowers and trees come alive again! I love when the ponds on our property thaw out and the fish start moving again… I love when we move the patio furniture out from the garage and get it set up on the flagstones… I love firing up the grill for the first time, even if it is still a little chilly outside..

Wormwood; Biblical Poison

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000

10 The third angel blew his trumpet, and a great star fell from heaven, blazing like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water. 11 The name of the star is Wormwood.2 A third of the waters became wormwood, and many people died from the water, because it had been made bitter. Revelation 8:10-11

The Bible mentions wormwood nine times in total (8 in the OT, 1 in the NT). In all uses of the word, it is meant to be symbolic of poison and bitterness, especially in terms of water.

Deivel's Dreck, a charm against evil

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000

In the early days of the Pennsylvania Germans, the idea that evil (and thus, the Devil) could influence our lives for the negative was quite prevalent. One method of combating and preventing the influence of the Devil was a charm pouch of Deivel’s dreck, which is a Pennsylvania Dutch word meaning “Devil’s Dung” or, in the common tongue, Asafoetida. Asafoetida is a foul-smelling Middle Eastern spice that, when cooked, adds a very mild onion flavor to the food. However, it’s uncooked raw smell is so strong as to be nearly impossible to handle without the stench permeating into the very wood of your home!

Fence post Powwowing

Sun, 14 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000

In some ways, I’m an old-fashioned Powwow. I think my work is more effective if, in even a little way, it involves the outdoors. Even when I make an herbal tea or home remedy in my kitchen, at least a small part of that was done outside; whether the herbs were from the garden or the infused oil was ‘cooked’ in the sun, or whatever. I always try my best to incorporate the natural world in my powwowing. And that makes sense, considering Powwow is an old-fashioned sort of tradition, and our forebearers would have used what they had available to them… creek stones, plants from the garden, horseshoes, or whatever..

Annual Powwow household protection ritual

Sun, 07 Feb 2021 00:00:00 +0000

As the moon moves into the sign of Capricorn, I realize it’s time to strengthen the protections around my home. This is as much a magical process as it is a spiritual one because we are invoking The Almighty through the means of ritualistic behaviors and actions. In this case, I will be calling on God to protect my home and my property while also protecting my family and all those we lovingly welcome into our home. At the same time, this ‘blessing’ also carries a rider that whosoever enters our home uninvited will face the wrath of God.

As time passes... a look back on my blog..

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 00:00:00 +0000

I’ve been writing and maintaining this website for 13 years, give or take. During that time, I’ve grown from a simple practitioner and student of Powwow to a teacher and expert in the tradition. I remember those early years, I felt very nervous about putting myself out there to the public because I didn’t know if I was good enough to heal others. But God does work in mysterious ways and when He thinks you are ready, then you are ready, and he thrust me out there into the public eye and I have helped so many clients that I’ve lost track. Not all of them were a success, mind you. Powwow isn’t like that. Sometimes I was the right choice for someone, and sometimes I wasn’t. That’s just the way it is.

Appalachian folk magic

Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 +0000

This is an incredible documentary about the Appalachian “granny” healers.

The green aspect of powwowing...

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

When I was a kid, my grandmother had a little garden outside the kitchen. She grew the very best tomatoes I’ve ever eaten and she also grew dandelions. While I never really cared for dandelion leaves (or the hot bacon dressing she made to put over them), I still remember the taste of the tomatoes and I’ve never in my life had one as good as those when I was a kid…

May 10 update

Sun, 10 May 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Today we added another dog to our family. If you didn’t know, we consider our home to be something of a rescue for old doggies or for those who suffered trauma in their lives and just need a loving and understanding home. We do not foster, we keep them until the very end. We’ve had many of the years, all of them with their own stories to tell. But since they can’t tell their own stories, we tell them for them.

Powwow versus Coronavirus

Tue, 05 May 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Powwow is a faith healing tradition. We want you to feel better. It is our calling from God to help you feel better. We believe very strongly that Christ wants to heal all those who come to him.

“Call on me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me.” Psalm 50:15

This means that those who call on God in their time of need will receive His blessings.

What you can expect when you visit your local Powwow...

Wed, 22 May 2019 00:00:00 +0000

A hundred years ago, a visit to a local Powwow may have gone something like this:

A knock on the door late at night, a tired man, dusty from the fields, beckons you to come on inside. From the looks of things, he has just finished eating a modest dinner. A low fire burns in the fireplace. A walking stick leans against the mantle. Maybe an old knife and some branches lay on the floor next to a wooden chair; he might carve to pass the time.. He points to the chair for you to have a seat and you tell him your trouble. “OK”, he says “Calm down. I’ll take care of it.”.. He rummages around in an old dresser and pulls out some old twine. He grabs his knife from the floor. Then he starts measuring various parts of you; your head, from head to foot, your left arm, etc. All the while cutting the string and making knots at various points. Without warning, the old Powwower spits onto the floor then tosses all the pieces of string into the fire place, where they immediately start to smolder and burn. He then places his hands on top of your head, mumbles a few more words, then suddenly raps you (not gently) on the back of your head. “OK”, he says, “Go on home. You’ll be fine in the morning”. Without another word, he turns toward his supper dishes and you know you are dismissed. By the time you make your way home, you feel a lightening of your soul, a sense that all is right again in the world. You know that the curse placed on you has been lifted.

The Lesser Banishing Ritual

Wed, 20 Feb 2019 00:00:00 +0000

I have used the Lesser Banishing Ritual for many years. It was created by the Golden Dawn in the 1800’s and has been picked up by modern occult groups of all religious flavor since then. It’s obvious Judeo-Christian symbolism and invocations are a great addition to Powwow should you wish to add a more ceremonial element to what you are doing.

I use the Lesser Banishing Ritual (LBR) as a way to center myself or call on protection or cleanse an area of energies. It has all sorts of uses and benefits, and is really simple to learn and do.

The Sanctum Sanctorum - your place of power

Sun, 03 Feb 2019 00:00:00 +0000

I am fortunate enough to have a library in my home. It’s not a large room, maybe 13 x 15 feet, but it houses almost 3000 books on shelves, an old physician’s desk where I sit and do most of my writing, and all of my personal magical and powwow bits and baubles. When I’m working on this website, I’m in this library. When I’m powwowing for clients, I’m in this library. I’ve cast ceremonial circles in here. I’ve worked with archangels. I’ve summoned and conjured things in the room that I would not feel safe doing so anywhere else. I’ve created talismans, herbal concoctions, and himmelsbriefs in this room. I’ve done powerful anti-hex work in this room. I’ve pushed my personal magical skills far beyond my powwowing techniques in this room.

Protection from witchcraft

Fri, 28 Sep 2018 00:00:00 +0000

A large part of a powwow’s work is combating harmful magic, also known as witchcraft. This type of magic is designed to disrupt, harm, or otherwise cause chaos in the victim’s life. It seems an odd thing to talk about witchcraft in the year 2018, yet it is a very real thing. For the most part, modern practitioners of Witchcraft (often in the form of Wicca, but just as often not) are harmless and believe in balance and the inherent power of nature and other such things. Their work is vary much like a powwow’s; to bring healing and protection to those in need.

The unseen battles of a hex doctor

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Being a hex doctor, a powwow, means you take on the awesome responsibility of healing in the name of Christ. It also means you make yourself a beacon for all things supernatural; both good and bad.

Years ago, my grandmother said to me “Weird things happen to weird people”. I know now that this was just a snarky way of saying “like attracts like”.

When I first began practice as a powwow, I was woefully inexperienced and limited to the few charms taught to me by my first teacher, which were primarily healing charms for headaches, warts, and nervous conditions. I had mixed succes with those. But it was during those first years that I started experiencing feelings and energies from a “darker” aspect to the universe. I had made a few “non-friends” (cough cough enemies) during those years, and more than a few of them were happy to verhex me. Being the nice innocent guy I was at the time, the way I experienced those verhexings was completely foreign to me…. visions of dark figures, the sense of a presence of “evil”, to put it mildly… crows filling my yard (which was bizarre and creepy) and illness and fevers like I never experienced before in my life. When I presented these things to those more experienced than me, they decided to give me instruction on how to understand such things and, most importantly, combat them.

Blowing out burns

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Last Saturday night I fell into my neighbor’s fire pit. It was a great metal cauldron with a huge fire inside. I stood up from my chair and literally fell right into it. I instinctively put my hands out and as I fell I grabbed onto the sides of the fire pit as I fell to my knees. The burn was so powerful I fell back, and my left leg straightened out and rested right against the flaming cauldron.

using a knife in powwow

Sun, 05 Aug 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Next to my bible, my pocket knife is my favorite tool for powwowing. I use it in healing charms, anti-hex work, weather work, and all manner of other types of powwowing. My pocket knife is like an old friend, always on hand when I need it and the work I do with it never fails.

In the early days, I used a large red-handled kitchen knife. This worked fine for the time but it was large and tricky to carry around, which meant I was always cutting myself! After a while I grew so annoyed with it that I tossed it in the trash! When I opted for a pocket knife, it felt absolutely correct to me and I’ve never gone back to a different type of knife.

Jesus; the first Hex Doc

Sun, 29 Jul 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Ask any of the old timers who the first powwow doc was and they will undoubtedly tell you it was Jesus himself, “the Good Lord”. He went around, preaching the Word, healing those who needed it. Then he passed it on to his disciples, as we read in Mark 14…

14Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.

The devil and his meddlesome ways...

Mon, 23 Jul 2018 00:00:00 +0000

I believe in the devil. I don’t say that lightly. There was a time when I thought it was nonsense… Propaganda created to instill fear and obedience in the hearts and minds of the early Christians. But I’ve seen the devil. I’ve experienced him. If there is good in the Universe, it stands to reason that there must be bad. If there is light, there must be dark. If there is day, there must be night. If there is holy, there must be unholy. This is balance. The devil is God’s great adversary. Some say he was made by God to fill that role. I don’t know. If you read the Book of Job, you see that the devil and God aren’t so unfriendly toward one another as we might think. God is pretty badass all on his own, he doesn’t really need the devil. Yet there he is.

Death of a teacher.

Tue, 03 Jul 2018 00:00:00 +0000

I received an email late last night to inform me that one of my powwow teachers had passed away. I didn’t read the email until this afternoon and I have some surprising feelings about it.

My teacher was an interesting woman. Because I promised her that I would not share her name with the public, I will only share with you my feelings about her.

She was abrupt to the point of seeming rude. She was unconcerned with anyone’s (including mine) impression about her because she just didn’t care. She kept a messy home and made no apologies for it. When I first met her, she made me wait on her front porch almost a half an hour before she let me in, and she never once explained herself. She was a believer in Christ, but the type that chain smoked and drank beer, and that was ok. She was irritated with me when I told her I was researching Powwow to share information with the public. She had a very low opinion of the idea of writing about Powwow.

powwow and the politics of healing

Sat, 23 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Believe it or not, I’ve received some nasty emails over the past three years claiming that I’m not a “real” powwow because I don’t endorse Candidate A or Candidate B. Politics has unfortunately infiltrated the folk magic community and I’m not at all surprised by this. Our country is currently going through a very dark time. Our current administration in Washington has brought out the worst in our society. Racism and bigotry run unchecked these days and the white house revels in fanning the flames of dissent. Between ‘fake news’ and the daily lies from our Nation’s highest office, it’s no wonder that we feel a sense of negativity and stress all the time. Just a few short years ago our country seemed to be a haven of progress and progressive values. Now we are thrown back into pre-Civil Rights days of blacks and gays and hispanics not being welcomed in public spaces. It’s horrible.

Passing on the powwow...

Fri, 22 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0000

As I get older, I find myself thinking about all the interesting and useful powwowing charms I’ve learned over the years and what will happen to these things as I age and eventually pass on… My son is only 7 so he barely has a passing interest in powwowing. Hopefully as he ages he will develop the calling for it like I did. But if not, I’ll want to pass it on. A few people have come to me over the years that have expressed an interest in learning. But it seems like once I start opening up to the idea of teaching, they disappear… This teaches me that powwowing really is a committment. It’s also a huge committment to carry on one’s lineage. If I’m to pass on my powwowing, the person chosen must be truly devoted and committed to it. And because I have been so public with my powwowing, I would hope that any successor to my work would carry on the work of this website and the sharing of information publicly.

Rocks used in braucherei, by John Ramsey

Sat, 09 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0000

John Ramsey is a fellow powwower and author of Pennsylvania German Powwow (I’m having trouble putting a link here but it is available on amazon) He sent this information to me to share here on this site. I’m fascinated by this info as it’s more than I knew about the use of stones for powwowing. Enjoy!

Stones can be a powerful tool for the powwow to work with. Many times in the Bible, Christ is referred to as a rock; see Matthew 7:24. Many of the rocks that the braucher would use were not fancy like gemstones or crystals, but oftentimes were stones that he or she would find on there property.

Catching a thief - a lesson in being cautious

Sat, 02 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Last fall, my son’s bicycle disappeared. He insisted he had it in our carport, where he always parked it. He was upset and I was furious. We live in a relatively quiet neighborhood and our neighbors are mostly older folks with well-tended lawns and respectable reputations. Why would someone come around and steal his bike? I couldn’t imagine. So we went to Wal-Mart and got him a new bike and I did some powwow.

folk magic vs ceremonial magic

Sat, 18 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Sometimes people are surprised to find out I have a few ceremonial ritualistic elements to my powwowing. The surprise is understandable because powwowing is fairly simplistic no-frills sort of folk magic. So what’s the difference between folk magic and ceremonial magic? And how can the two work together?

Folk magic is, for our purposes, the simple day-to-day magics of the powwow. These would include the removal of warts using a potato or apple or penny, the soothing of a burn from the stove, the stopping of blood from a minor scrape or cut, and other such cures and charms that one might find a use for throughout the course of his day. Folk magic is just a part of your every day life. It is an extension of your faith, and therefore could be called ‘folk religion’. It need not be complex, it requires little or no preparation or props, and it serves a function in daily living.

basic tools of powwowing

Sun, 03 Sep 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Powwowing is a no frills tradition. It requires little more than your faith in the Holy Trinity and knowledge of a few tried and proven charms. You could spend your entire life powwowing with nothing more than your hands and your trusty dusty old family bible.

But there are a few bits and bobbles that have found their way into the practice of powwowing that you may want to experiment with. The list I’ve created here contain the extras that I use or have used in the past. This is by no means an all-encompassing list of all things that can be used in powwowing. But it’s a good place to start.

A world away. In memory of my grandparents, Arthur and June Whitley.

Sun, 20 Aug 2017 00:00:00 +0000

As is often the case when my mind is focused on research into powwowing, I find my thoughts drifting to my grandparents. Born of immigrants from both Austria and Wales, my grandparents, Arthur “Red” Whitley and June Betty Whitley (formerly Bankes) built their home with their own hands in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. My grandfather worked at Atlas Power Co. his entire life while my grandmother worked as a clerk in Mitchell’s Furniture Store in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania. They were members of Zion’s Stone Church, a German Reformed Church which later became United Church of Christ. I always remember them as old people, but I suppose that’s how most of us remember our grandparents.

December 6th, Saint Nicholas Day

Fri, 04 Dec 2015 00:00:00 +0000

For those of us with European ancestry, which is many of us I imagine, Saint Nicholas need not be forgotten in December in favor of good old reliable Santa Claus. What many don’t realize is that Santa Claus is a relatively modern mis-pronunciation of the name Saint Nicholas. I believe we can thank the Dutch for this, but don’t quote me on it…

Saint Nicholas was an actual, real life person that lived about 300 years after Christ, give or take… He is recorded as being the youngest (or among the youngest) Bishops in the Christian church and has so many miracles attributed to him that history often identifies him as “Nicholas the Wonder-Worker”. Nicholas was born in Myra but his legends traveled the world. He is most known for the time he saved a poor man’s three daughters from an undesirable fate by secretly providing the family with enough gold to marry off the daughters. These sacks of gold are believed by many to be the precursor of the gifts we find under the tree on December 25th.

November 28th, Nelson Rehmeyer Day

Sat, 01 Nov 2014 00:00:00 +0000

As a powwow doctor in south central Pennsylvania, November turns my thoughts to Nelson Rehmeyer. In 1928, long before my time, a local Powwow Doctor was murdered by three men who believed Nelson had placed a curse on them. As a Powwow, Nelson provided healing services to his community. However, a few local young men who seemed to have nothing but bad luck needed answers. As the story goes, a local witch named Emma Knopp (Nellie Noll), revealed to the men that Nelson was the cause of their misfortune–and only by collecting a lock of his hair and Nelson’s copy of The Long Lost Friend, a Powwow manual, could the curse be lifted. The men visited Rehmeyer on the night of November 28, 1928. By the end of the night, Rehmeyer was dead and the men felt vindicated, despite being unsuccessful in obtaining Rehmeyer’s copy of Long Lost Friend. While there is a possibility that a curse may have been to blame for the men’s misfortune, it has been determined that Nelson Rehmeyer would not have had any interest in verhexing the men, as they were his friends.

Conception Billet: the power of the written word

Sun, 24 Aug 2014 00:00:00 +0000

One of the common identifying traits within Powwowing is the use of himmelsbriefs, or Letters from Heaven. Dating back hundreds of years, himmelsbriefs were believed to be penned by God, Himself, and given to humanity to use for protection against all sorts of misfortune; poverty, illness, accidents, witchcraft, and even Satan. Hand-written notes of protection date way back to ancient Egypt.

During the 15th and 16th centuries, Letters from Heaven, known then as Conception Billets, were a product of the clergy. Monks would create and sell Conception Billets to those who could afford them-often made as gifts for nobles. Later, Cunning Men would create Conception Billets for the common folks in their communities. And, in more recent centuries, himmelsbriefs are created by the Powwow for the same reasons.

Hex Hollow Documentary - the story of Nelson Rehmeyer

Sat, 19 Jul 2014 00:00:00 +0000

In the Spring of 2013, I was asked to be one of many individuals interviewed for the Hex Hollow Documentary film, put together by filmmaker Shane Free. This documentary was to tell the real and complete story of powwower Nelson Rehmeyer, who was brutally murdered in the 1920’s near York, Pennsylvania. His assailants were told by a local witch that Nelson had placed a curse on them, and so they took matters into their own hands.

der Belsnickel

Thu, 26 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Before our much Americanized, and commercialized, version of St. Nick, kids growing up in Pennsylvania Dutch homes were taught the Belsnickel story, said Zach Langley, director of education at the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center at Kutztown University.

Really, the Belsnickel was the ultimate judge of whether kids were being good or bad, Langley said.

Europeans who immigrated to America from the Alps brought with them the legend and tradition of the Belsnickel, Langley said.

Cold and flu season

Tue, 17 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +0000

It seems like every winter my body is just on the verge of being sick. It’s like there is a constant shadow of a cold hanging over my head, and most mornings I wake up with a scratchy throat, some sinus pressure, and other unpleasantness. But then as the day progresses it seems to go away. Just yesterday I developed one of the worst sore throats I’ve had in years, and today there is barely a trace of it. What the heck?!?!

Long-Distance PowWow

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000

One of the most common distance charms in the PowWow tradition is the recitation of Ezekiel 16:6 “Then I passed by thee, and saw thee polluted in thine own blood, and I said unto thee, ‘Live’.” (paraphrased). This particular passage is really about how God picked up the nation of Israel and nurtured it and made it into something beautiful. If you read through the rest of Ezekiel 16, it is almost as if the author is speaking about a woman, but it’s really a metaphorical chapter about God’s love for Israel. This is a tried and proven all purpose charm within the PowWow tradition, and it is known to work especially well for distance healing.

Magic (black) mirrors in Powwow.

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000

This blog was originally posted April 19, 2013, but updated as of September 14, 2021…

Within PowWow there are several variations of magic mirrors (erdspeigel) used for divinatory purposes. In most cases, these mirrors are used to discern the identity of the witch who has cursed you. There are a few different sets of instructions for these charms in the old grimoires. Consensus amongst the practitioners is that a mirror must contain the following inscription in order for it to be useful:

The SATOR square

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0000

The SATOR charm is one of the most popular magical talismans in western occultism, and is a favored within traditional PA Dutch PowWow. It’s history is sometimes disputed but most scholars believe it is a symbol of the early Christian church, most likely used by various Christian groups as a secret means of identification during the time of Christian persecutions.

SATOR is sometimes thought to be made up of five words; SATOR, AREPO, TENET, OPERA, ROTAS. There are various ideas as to what these words (as individuals) may mean; but consensus translates them into something like “the planter holds the works and wheels by means of water”. Unfortunately for this idea, the translation doesn’t make much sense, and does not explain the SATOR square’s appearance in various countries, cultures, and sites of early Christian meeting places throughout Europe.

Magic Wand: the tool of Christ?

Sat, 02 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Besides studying Powwow, one of my favorite areas of research is Christianity’s history and early development; in particular it’s history with magic.

The early growth of Christianity is especially interesting because it was originally an oral tradition, passed on by the people through word of mouth. Because of this, accounts of Christ’s ministry vary wildly amongst different sources. The four most compatible accounts were gathered together and kept as canon for the building of Christian tradition. We of course know these accounts as the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. There were many other accounts of Jesus activities in the world; most of which were considered heretical by the early church leaders so they were intentionally left out.

Ethics of hexing/cursing in Powwow

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Some of the older Powwow charms seem to cross the line and step into the realm of cursing or, as it’s known in PA Dutch culture, hexerei. Hexerei is malevolent magic with intent to cause some type of harm. We see some of the old charms getting frighteningly close to this:

For example: ’turner be turned, burner be burned..’ This charm removes verhexed conditions from an individual and sends them back to the sender, thus it is essentially the same hex the hexer put on the victim. Some people feel justified in this type of working because they feel it teaches the hex a lesson they sorely need to learn. Others may feel guilt over returning such things, even to the sender, because a hex is a hex is a hex. Me personally, I tend to flip flop on matters like this and feel it’s best to avoid it if possible.

Unusual Written Charms

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Powwow has many different variations on paper talismans and charms. Most of these are not works of art, nor are they meant to be. A written charm is meant to be functional and practical. In most cases, a few words from scripture written on a slip of paper suffices. In some extreme cases, however, there may be a need for discreteness and secrecy. In those instances, there is another Powwow technique for creating written charms that I like to use. This is a variation of the method outlined by Chris Bilardi in his book The Red Church.

PowWow charms: spoken or whispered? To touch or not to touch?

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

When I was originally introduced to PowWow, my teacher taught that one must ALWAYS whisper the spoken parts of the charms; they must NEVER be spoken out loud. And because this is what I was told, this is how I did it. However, over time I realized that I was not entirely comfortable with this method of working with verbal charms. To me, whispering something implies that it’s a secret. It implies that I don’t really want the individual that I’m trying for to actually hear what I’m saying. Why would this be? If someone comes to me for PowWow, it is with the understanding that I am going to speaking biblical verses and/or other words of healing over them. So, with this in mind, I did some research…

Cloth Braucher Charms

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

In other schools of magical thought, the cloth Braucher Charm (also seen referred to as a Brauche Bag) is sometimes called a gris gris bag, a mojo bag, a charm pouch, and by other names. In each tradition these handmade pouches will be made slightly different but the general idea is that you have a pouch and inside you put something to either draw a specific thing toward you or protect you from a specific thing or remove a specific thing from your body/life. The bag is then tied or sewn shut and either hidden somewhere safe or carried around in some way until your problem is resolved. In the case of the Brauche Bag, these are generally crafted to aid in the removal of specific illnesses but can also be protective.

Amulets of Protection

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

On the surface, we tend to view PA Dutch Pow-wow as a simple country system of folk healing. And that would be a correct view. However, another layer of the tradition exists wherein the creation of talismans and amulets is skillfully practiced. Unlike other magical or psuedo-magical traditions, the creation of amulets within the Braucher tradition is not commonplace nor is it done frivolously. This is a practice rooted in ancient pre-Christ (but still Biblical) times that is carried into modern day. The serious practitioner of this aspect of Pow-wow will undoubtedly utilize astrological occurrences in conjunction with the use of specific metals or other materials. Often amulets and talismans are crafted from paper and carefully chosen inks. These are all matters of personal preference and practice and each Pow-wow will have their own unique methods of amulet and talisman creation or, at the very least, their own preference for materials.

Protection from Thieves

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

It’s very sad that we even need charms like this, but this time of year especially we see and hear stories about families being robbed or houses being broken into. They say that desperate times call for desperate measures, but nothing on this earth forces us to be victims of other people’s desperate measures. To that end, I am sharing some of the more common charms for protecting your home from thieves and burglars this holiday season.

Christmas Pow-wow Divination Wand

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The use of a forked branch or stick to search for water is fairly well known. Finding hidden water or metals is what is refered to in Powwow as “divination”. This practice has been expanded upon within the tradition to finding lost objects. A section of outdoor space is designated as a floor plan of the patient’s home or place of employment or whatever. The forked branch is held with the forked branches in each hand, the bottom of the Y part facing out. You walk over the area. When the single branch points downward, that represents the area where your patient will find their lost object.

Pow-wow First Aid

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Pow-wow is great for minor aches and pains or the type of injuries and mishaps that might occur throughout the normal course of your day; such as scrapes, cuts, bruises, minor burns, headaches, and so forth.

Here are some quick Pow-wow techniques that you can use either on yourself or on someone else to take care of those daily accidents and get you through to bedtime in one piece.

Some quick tips to remember: