A cosmic witch costume is a unique and enchanting outfit that combines elements of witchcraft and the cosmos. It is an ideal choice for individuals who want to incorporate mystical and celestial vibes into their attire. The cosmic witch costume usually consists of various elements such as celestial patterns, starry accessories, and witchcraft-inspired clothing. To create a cosmic witch costume, one can start with a dark-colored dress or robe as the base. Black or deep purple are often chosen to evoke a mysterious and magical aura. Layering is another key element of the cosmic witch costume, so adding a sheer, flowy cape or shawl in cosmic-themed patterns can enhance the overall look.
Layering is another key element of the cosmic witch costume, so adding a sheer, flowy cape or shawl in cosmic-themed patterns can enhance the overall look. Accessories play a crucial role in completing the cosmic witch ensemble. A witch hat in a dark hue adorned with celestial symbols or stars gives a traditional witchcraft touch.
Witches, Healers, and Hex Cats in Old Pennsylvania
Stories of witchcraft and folk-healers in early Pennsylvania are surprisingly plentiful. In this episode, we examine the state’s German-American tradition of Braucherei that spawned these tales. The practice came over with immigrants from Germany’s southwestern Rhineland beginning in the late 1700s and established itself among the Pennsylvania “Dutch” (a misunderstanding of “Deutsch”) in the state’s southern “Dutch Country” region, eventually moving westward through Appalachia and all the way to Indiana and south into the Ozarks.
We begin with a chant supposedly chanted in the 1800s by witches gathered at Hexenkopf Rock (“witch’s head” rock), an actual site about 15-minutes outside the old steel town of Bethlehem. The locale is central to early Braucherei and to the other name by which it goes, namely “Pow-Wow.”
It was on land adjacent to the Hexenkopf that Johann Peter Seiler, who immigrated from Germany in 1738, eventually settled and set up shop as a folk-healer, or “Braucher” (one who practices Braucherei). As he also offered treatment to the native Algonquin, his work was equated by them to that of their medicine man or his rituals, and he was supposedly dubbed “The Great Pow-Wow.” This is one origin story for the odd nomenclature, though others believe the term “pow-wow” was applied by English settlers as a disparaging comparison to native rituals. The term is still used and carries no such disparaging connotation today. Nor does it imply a borrowing of Native American traditions into Braucherei, which is firmly rooted in Old World traditions.
While the Braucher has frequently been described by outsiders a “witch” or “witch doctor,” it’s certainly not a label accepted within the tradition, as there are no “good witches,” only bad witches, (Hexes) who practice Hexerei. Brauchers are often sought to remove curses placed by Hexes, though occasionally practitioners have been known to slip from one side to the other.
We next look at a sampling of the magical tools and techniques employed in Braucherei, the prominence of the color red, preponderance of written charms carried by clients, and the spoken charm, the famous “Blood Verse” used to stop bleeding.
A Braucher would always consider himself to be Christian, and much use is made of religious images and verbiage, especially from Catholic traditions. Though the Pennsylvania Dutch immigrated from Germany’s Protestant regions, Braucherei has served as a sort of underground continuation of medieval Catholic practice in a Post-Reformation world.
1930s edition of “Long Lost Friend” with illustrations by Charles Quinlan. Courtesy Glencairn Museum.
We then discuss the curiously titled volume The Long Lost Friend, a classic sourcebook for Braucherei, published by German immigrant, printer, and Braucher John George Hohman in Reading, Pennsylvania in 1820. Much of it, we learn, was borrowed (sometimes verbatim) from earlier European books of magic, though applications described therein are very specific to 19th century agricultural life. We also hear a bit about another magical sourcebook used (more in Hexerei thanks to its inclusion of destructive magic), the Sixth and Seventh Book of Moses (published as a single volume). We hear a bit about its notorious reputation, both in Braucherei and American Hooodoo.
The notorious “Sixth and Sevenths Books of Moses.” Don’t look at it too long!
The balance of our show is devoted to tales of witches and healers, gleaned mainly from newspaper archives and read by the inimitable Mrs. Karswell.
We hear of “Old Moll” of Fayette County, her fortune-telling with coffee grounds, of a legendary prophecy (curse?) laid upon some miscreants passing through town, and her appearance in connection with other local legends, as in the 1865 book,The White Rocks by A.F. Hill, a romanticized retelling of the murder of Polly Williams.
A hotbed of Braucherei, Berks County provides our remaining stories — an 1889 story in which a witch torments her victim in the form of a night hag, and the way in which a Braucher defeats her, and an 1892 story involving a baby covered in spots thanks to a visiting witch, who was eventually defeated while in the form of a cat.
Another witch in the form of a cat was the famous “Hex Cat” that haunted the farm of the Thomas family in Tumbling Run Valley in 1911. This one made national news, with reportage appearing as far away as Hawaii. It also generated a moderate frenzy of commercial exploitation. I’ll leave the details of the case for you to enjoy as you listen.
Stay tuned for our next episode further exploring Braucherei, including some shocking criminal cases in which the tradition played a role.
I should also mention that we had some audio cameos in this show. A number of our subscribers on Patreon joined in as witches in the chant at the Hexenkopf. Thank you to: Allison Lovecraft, Victoria Howard, Angelica, Bridget Case, Jenny Matisiak, Molly Van Overhill, Alice Price, and Anne Luben!
(Long Lost Friend images courtesy the Glencairn Museum’s excellent 2017 exhibition on Braucherei)
Stay tuned for our next episode further exploring Braucherei, including some shocking criminal cases in which the tradition played a role.
Adding star-shaped earrings, cosmic-inspired rings, or a necklace with a moon pendant contributes to the celestial theme. Makeup can further enhance the cosmic witch look. Experimenting with deep, cosmic-inspired eyeshadow palettes and adding glitter or star-shaped sequins can create a mystical appearance. Dark, bold lipstick in shades of deep purple or black can also be used to add drama to the overall makeup. Hair can be styled in various ways to complement the cosmic witch costume. Long, flowing hair can be adorned with cosmic-themed hair accessories such as star-shaped clips or celestial hairpins. Alternatively, a sleek updo with a few loose curls can create an elegant and bewitching look. To complete the cosmic witch costume, opting for footwear that matches the overall theme is essential. Black boots or heels with celestial designs or adorned with star-shaped studs can tie the whole look together. Overall, a cosmic witch costume allows individuals to express their love for both witchcraft and the cosmos. It combines elements of mystery, magic, and the vastness of the universe to create a truly enchanting outfit. Whether worn for Halloween or other mystical-themed events, a cosmic witch costume is sure to captivate and inspire those who see it..
Reviews for "The Cosmic Cauldron: A Journey into Cosmic Witchcraft"
1. Samantha - 2/5
I was really excited to watch "Cosmic Witch Costume" after hearing so much buzz about it, but I have to say, I was left feeling disappointed. The storyline felt shallow and disjointed, lacking any depth or coherence. The characters were underdeveloped, and I couldn't connect with any of them. The acting also felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult for me to fully immerse myself in the film. Overall, "Cosmic Witch Costume" fell short of my expectations and I wouldn't recommend it.
2. John - 1/5
I watched "Cosmic Witch Costume" with high hopes, but unfortunately, it was a complete letdown. The special effects were poorly executed and looked extremely cheap. The costume designs were mediocre at best, failing to capture the essence of the cosmic witch theme. Additionally, the dialogue was cringe-worthy, full of clichés and poorly written lines. It felt like the filmmakers tried to cram too many elements into the film, resulting in a messy and confusing story. Overall, "Cosmic Witch Costume" felt like a low-budget production with poor execution, and I would not waste my time watching it again.
3. Emily - 2/5
I have to admit, I was intrigued by the concept of "Cosmic Witch Costume", but unfortunately, the execution fell flat. The pacing was incredibly slow, and the film seemed to drag on without any real purpose or direction. The plot was weak and predictable, offering no surprises or twists. The visual effects, although ambitious, felt poorly integrated into the film and often seemed out of place. While I appreciate the attempt to create a unique and imaginative world, "Cosmic Witch Costume" ultimately failed to engage me as a viewer.