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.
-
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…
-
Easy Bread and Butter Pickles!
Today we made a batch of Bread and Butter Pickles that I know you will love!
-
Mountain Mary: Saint of Berks County
The legend of Mountain Mary — Anna Marie Young of Berks County, healer and hermit.
-
History of Magic: Medieval to Early Modern
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…
-
To Fumigate Impure Air
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…
-
The Man of Signs
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…
-
What does Powwow "FEEL" like?
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.…
-
PA Dutch House Blessings
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…
-
Preparing for Spring!
I know it's only mid-January, but here in Southcentral PA we have to begin preparing for Spring!
-
Folk uses of silver
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…
-
Anti-witchcraft rituals and charms
Every anti-witchcraft charm from the three grimoires that shaped Powwow — The Long Lost Friend, the Romanusbüchlein, and Egyptian Secrets — collected in one place.
-
An ancient healing charm
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…
-
Anxiety home remedies
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…
-
Winter sickness home remedy
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!
-
The Throw Stick
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…
-
Pain removal ritual
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.…
-
Verhexed Objects
Objects that carry a hex: how a verhexed thing is recognised, what it does in a household, and how the old sources say to deal with it.
-
Powwow in the UK
This was written by a student and dear friend of mine, who is a Powwow in the UK.
-
Hibiscus lemon syrup
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…
-
Powwowing yourself
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…