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 Bread and Butter Pickles!
Today we made a batch of Bread and Butter Pickles that I know you will love!
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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 m...
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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 c...
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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 ...
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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. Li...
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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 carried...
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Preparing for Spring!
I know it's only mid-January, but here in Southcentral PA we have to begin preparing for Spring!
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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 ha...
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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 "E...
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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 re...
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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!
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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 Powwow...
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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. Remembe...
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Powwow in the UK
This was written by a student and dear friend of mine, who is a Powwow in the UK.
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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 ...
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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 ...
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A Blessing for your Adversaries
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...
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Gifts and favors - the sign of a true witch
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 inn...
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The magical boundary
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 pers...
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The real power in a blood-stopping charm
name, and the third has the power to stop the flow of blood.