Appalachian folk magic refers to the traditional magical practices and beliefs that have been passed down through generations in the Appalachian region of the United States. This folk magic has its roots in European folk traditions and Native American influences, resulting in a unique blend of beliefs and practices. One of the key aspects of Appalachian folk magic is its connection to nature. The practitioners believe in the power of the natural world and its ability to affect human lives. They believe that plants, animals, and even natural phenomena like storms and moons have their own spirits and energies that can be harnessed for various purposes. Herbalism is an important part of Appalachian folk magic.
The introduction class is based on the Appalachian settlers and some of their peculiar beliefs carried over from England, Ireland, Scotland and Germany.
The introduction class is based on the Appalachian settlers and some of their peculiar beliefs carried over from England, Ireland, Scotland and Germany. Prepare for spellcasting Find guidance on cleansing yourself and your space; drawing power from the earth and sky; and elevating your magic with tools like herbs, churchyard dirt, and candles.
Herbalism is an important part of Appalachian folk magic. The practitioners use various plants and herbs for healing, protection, and spiritual purposes. They believe that different plants have different properties and can be used to treat specific ailments or attract certain energies.
Appalachian Witchery: How modern witchcraft is practiced
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (AP) — Some may be offended by being called a witch, but Ian Allen certainly isn’t.
As a modern-day witchcraft practitioner, Allen doesn’t shy away from the title, especially considering its origins come from “wicce” meaning a wise person.
Allen shares his knowledge through Appalachian Witchery, a small business he founded that provides educational workshops about witchcraft’s history and its current-day practices. During those classes, Allen debunks common myths, mostly manifested through Hollywood, about conventional witchcraft.
With Halloween just around the corner, Allen said his business garners a bit more attention this time of year.
Just this weekend alone, Allen is traveling to Raleigh, North Carolina, to conduct classes on “Introduction to Appalachian Witchery and Magic” and “Appalachian Divination Techniques.”
The introduction class is based on the Appalachian settlers and some of their peculiar beliefs carried over from England, Ireland, Scotland and Germany.
“It focuses on the folklore and the folk magic practices that the original settlers brought with them and how it evolved throughout the decades and into modern time. We also look at some herbal remedies and things like that,” Allen said.
While not as eccentric as blood sacrifices and devil worshipping, Allen explains settlers of Appalachia did share bizarre remedies to common problems and predicaments.
Some examples include:
— A woman seeking relief from menstrual cramps could try to avoid them altogether if she offers beets outside a graveyard to the “guardian of the cemetery” the day after her last cycle ends.
— A person hoping to rid themselves of warts could steal a neighbor’s dish rag, wipe it over their warts and bury it in the woods off their property. As the rag rotted, so too would the warts.
— A sin eater, wearing a dark cloak and hood, would be summoned upon the death of a loved one to eat a meal placed upon the corpse, absolving the deceased of all their worldly sins and providing them passage into heaven.
“There was a large German influence in the practice, some blending with the Cherokee belief structure,” Allen said. “We also had interchanges with slaves as they were moving through the State of Franklin, especially here within the Johnson City and Tri-Cities area. They would share some of their practices from the Deep South, such as using chicken feet as lucky charms.”
Allen said the ideas of fairies, pixies and the Knocker certainly influenced the development of our urban legends, such as the Woodbooger and Wampus Cat.
Although many settlers practiced what is now categorized as witchcraft, many did not define it in such a way.
“They didn’t see it in opposition to their faith. They would believe these (remedies and practices) were handed down to them from the Christian God. The ability to interpret dreams, read fortunes through playing cards or tea leaves,” Allen said. “You would have people doing things in the mountains, what we now would definitely term witchcraft, especially the divination as far as fortune telling.”
Allen said many Appalachian “psychics” used regular playing cards to read fortunes, since Tarot cards were tough to come by back then.
Within the witchcraft belief structure, Allen said the concept of the Christian devil doesn’t even exist, although it does incorporate plenty of physical world deities, such as Mother Nature, and Father Winter.
Growing up in Wise County, Virginia, Allen was raised in a Christian household but grew intrigued by stories told by his grandmother and great aunts.
As a teenager, Allen became enamored with witchcraft following a trip to Salem, Massachusetts, where he met Laurie Cabot, who was named the official witch of Salem in the 1970s by Governor Michael Dukakis.
As he grew older, Allen eventually traveled back to Salem and became a student of Cabot’s, learning the science of witchcraft. He is now considered a “Cabot Witch” in the Cabot Kent Tradition of Witchcraft.
In addition to educating, Allen said he is often called to perform in-home exorcisms, spiritual cleanings, negative energy clearings and psychic readings.
As he grew older, Allen eventually traveled back to Salem and became a student of Cabot’s, learning the science of witchcraft. He is now considered a “Cabot Witch” in the Cabot Kent Tradition of Witchcraft.
This knowledge is often passed down orally within families or small communities. Another important aspect of Appalachian folk magic is the use of charms and talismans. These are objects or symbols that are believed to possess magical properties and offer protection or good luck to the wearer. These charms can be anything from simple objects like stones or feathers to more elaborate items like handcrafted jewelry or pendants. Divination is also a common practice in Appalachian folk magic. The practitioners use various methods, such as tarot cards, pendulums, or scrying, to gain insights into the future or seek guidance from the spiritual realm. This practice helps them make decisions, understand their circumstances, or communicate with spirits. In addition to these practices, Appalachian folk magic also incorporates rituals, spells, and prayers. These rituals often involve creating sacred spaces, making offerings to spirits or deities, and reciting incantations or prayers. The practitioners believe that these rituals help them establish a connection with the spiritual realm and work towards their desired outcomes. It's important to note that Appalachian folk magic is not limited to a specific religious or cultural group. It has been influenced by various cultural and religious traditions over the years, including Christianity and African diaspora practices. The practitioners adapt these practices to their own beliefs and needs, creating a diverse and evolving form of folk magic. Overall, Appalachian folk magic is a rich and vibrant tradition that has been preserved and practiced by generations in the Appalachian region. It reflects the deep connection that people have with nature, the spiritual realm, and their own cultural heritage. Despite the modernization of the world, these magical practices continue to thrive in many rural communities, keeping the old traditions alive..
Reviews for "Exploring the Sacred Sites of Appalachian Folk Magic"
1. Jennifer - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed in "Appalachiav folk magic". I had heard great things about it and was excited to dive into the world of Appalachian folk magic. However, I found the book to be poorly organized and lacking in useful information. The author seemed to assume that readers already had a basic understanding of the subject, as there was little explanation or background provided. Overall, I didn't feel like I learned much from this book and would not recommend it to others looking to explore Appalachian folk magic.
2. Mike - 1/5 stars - I really struggled with "Appalachiav folk magic". The writing style was dry and it felt like a chore to get through each chapter. The author also made a lot of assumptions about the readers' knowledge, which left me feeling confused and frustrated. Additionally, I found the book to be quite repetitive, with information being presented multiple times without adding anything new. Overall, I found this book to be a waste of time and would not recommend it to others interested in learning about Appalachian folk magic.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - As someone who is new to the world of Appalachian folk magic, I was looking for a book that would provide a comprehensive introduction to the subject. Unfortunately, "Appalachiav folk magic" fell short. While it did contain some interesting information, I found the writing style to be dense and difficult to follow. The author also seemed to assume a certain level of prior knowledge, leaving me feeling lost at times. Additionally, the book lacked practical exercises or examples, which made it difficult to apply the concepts in a meaningful way. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to beginners in Appalachian folk magic.