This is a topic that we periodically revisit because many people who are new to Blanzeheilkunscht find it interesting. Among various bodies of Heathen lore, the Lacnunga of the Anglo-Saxons provides the best written record of a system of nine sacred herbs. The oral lore within Braucherei also has kept a record of nine sacred herbs, though the herbs within the Deitsch tradition differ from those of the Anglo-Saxons. Anglo-Saxon herbs: Mugwort Cockspur Grass Lambscress Plantain Mayweed Nettle Crabapple Thyme Fennel The Deitsch herbs are broken into three groups of three. The first group are herbs that are taken from woody plants. The second group comes from herbs found wild in the fields, and the third group comes from the cultivated gardens. Deitsch herbs: WOOD Dogwood Flowers Elder Blossoms Wintergreen FIELD Cinquefoil Catnip Ground Ivy GARDEN Horehound Sage Thyme There is a likelihood that wintergreen replaced another woody herb (indicators from some informants are that it was witch hazel) in the Colonial Era due to the value placed on the now easily-accessible wintergreen oil upon the founding of the Settlements. The most interesting thing to me is that the Anglo-Saxon list includes Mugwort while the Deitsch list does not. Mugwort is so heavily used in Braucherei that one would expect it to be on this list. Alas, its absence cannot be explained definitively, but it may relate to Elder and Mugwort both being sacred to Holle. The sacred uses of these herbs vary from the protective to the spiritual to the ritual to the medicinal. We will start to look at these herbs in more detail in upcoming articles. You may want to have a look at Susan Hess' article Nine Sacred Herbs in Hollerbeer Haven issue 5.
What is Braucherei? Bruacherei was brought to the United States by early Germanic immigrants who fled religious persecution in their homelands, these Immigrants would later be referred to as the Pennsylvania Dutch. This magical system is based around aspects of Christian Theology, European Folklore, superstition, ceremonial magic, witchcraft rites and shamanism, also added in some areas is Native American Indian practices. The magical system can be traced back as far as the 2nd Century. Much of the magical system is based on three sets of writings, “Egyptian Secrets” by Albert Magnus, “Long Lost Friend” by John George Hohman and also the "Romanusbuchlein". The religion relies very heavily on the power of God and Christ, and incorporates the mystic and magical teachings and philosophies of early Christian mystics The heart of the religion remains in Pennsylvania, and as one travels further out of the state the religion blends more into Shamanistic and Neopagan practices and loses some of its Christianity aspects. Modern day Braucherei practitioners include Chris Bilardi, Jack Montgomery and Rob Chapman. These gentlemen are bringing the old ways back into the limelight through books and websites. Like all religions it has a good and bad side, the light workers are known as practitioners of “Pow-Wow” the “night-workers” are known as the “Hexerei” or “Hexers” Hexerei This is the darker side of Braucherei, this is what the Pennsylvania Dutch consider, in their terms, “witchcraft”. It is the practice of hexing, using malevolent magic to cause hurt and harm. It is a self-serving form of the Braucherei, utilising demons and spirits to serve for ones own gain. Pow-wow Pow-wow is the Braucherei practitioners of good and light, it teaches healing and protections against evil by utilising charms to protect against the evils of hexes and witchcraft. Pennsylvania Dutch Hexes The Pennsylvania Dutch are a colorful folk when it comes to decoration, many barns are adorned with colourful symbols that also appear on birth certificates and in other places these colorful symbols are known as Hex Signs, a term coined by Author Wallace nutting in his book “ Pennsylvania Beautiful” in 1924. Hex Signs utilize motifs, usefully featuring hearts, wheat, birds, tulips and colours, some also use a very distinctive bird known as a “Distelfinks”, also common is the usage of Stars, the moon and sun. At some point ion the late 1800's people in the area started painting the hex signs on their barns as a way to ward of witchcraft, bad luck and other evil doings, They became even more popular after the 1928 “Witch Craft Trials” dubbed by one local newspaper as “The weirdest and most curiously fascinating in the history of jurisprudence." See more photos in our photo section or visit us on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/EidolonParanormal Many thanks to Rob Chapman for his assistance in editing this page Please visit Robs site at http://braucher.webs.com © 2007 - 2014 Allen Tiller www.eidolonparanormal.net All content on “Eidolon Paranormal & The Haunts of Adelaide” sites, blog and corresponding media pages (eg Facebook, twitter etc) is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any means or process without the written permission of the author. © 2012, 2013, 2014 All photos remain the property of their respective copyright owners and are displayed here for the purpose of education, research and review under the copyright act "fair usage" clause. Some photo's used here on this site are sourced from The Sate Library of South Australia, and The National Library of Australia and http://www.gawler.nowandthen.net.au - all photos are out of copyright and have no usage restrictions implied.
Pendraig Publishing 548 pages. Black & white illustrations. Octavo. 2009 Standard Edition: Trade Paperback Special Edition: Hardcover, limited to 100 copies. Includes personalized himmelsbrief. The Red Church or The Art of Pennsylvania German Braucherei: The Traditional Blessed Healing Art for the Good of Man and Beast is a massive collection of charms (both verbal and written), prayers, formulae, herbal lore, folk medicine nostrums, and other magical operations that fall within the Pennsylvania German charming tradition known as Braucherei (pronounced BROW-ker-eye; meaning, to try). It is also commonly called 'Pow-Wow' from the Algonquin word 'Pau Wau' which was used to describe medicine men or spiritual leaders. The Red Church is one of the most comprehensive collections of Braucherei practices ever assembled and is arguably the most important book the tradition has seen since Lee Gandee's 1971 autobiographical classic Strange Experience: The Secrets of a Hexenmeister. Author Chris Bilardi, a recently ordained Pastor of the Lutheran Orthodox Church, begins the book with a thorough history of the tradition and the rural culture in which it developed. Bilardi isn't just a historian, he's also a Braucherei practitioner, known as a Braucher or Pow-Wow Doctor (more sorcerous types are sometimes called Hexenmeisters). His stated goal is to preserve this rather obscure folk magic tradition and dispel misconceptions that have arisen in recent years. One such misconception is the tenancy for some to erroneously link Braucherei to Pagan traditions. He believes the Paganizing of Pow-Wow by modern revisionists obscures the tradition's basic tenets and threatens its historical authenticity. There is a legitimate Germanic Pagan practice found in Pennsylvania called Urglaawe (pronounced OOR-glawe-veh; meaning, primal faith), but it is distinctly different from Braucherei, as Braucherei is essentially a Christian folk magic system. It is true that there has always been plenty of cross-pollination within folk magic traditions, and some Braucherei charms can be traced far enough back in European history to possibly have Pagan roots, but the tradition itself and its core belief structure are solidly Christian. Brauchers believe that their power does not originate within them; rather, they are conduits of Divine force. This is why when asked if they can help or heal someone they simply respond, "I can try", as ultimately it is not up to them; it is up to the Divine. It's understandable why Bilardi is protective of Braucherei's heritage considering it nearly disappeared completely during the early 20th century due to the highly sensationalized 'Hex Murder' case in 1928. What remained went underground. Fortunately it is still holding on here and there and even beyond Pennsylvania with known Brauchers practicing quietly in Kentucky and Wisconsin. Like most folk magic traditions, Braucherei utilizes concepts of 'contagous magic' and 'sympathetic magic', much like its southern counterpart: Hoodoo. It is also the Yankee cousin of English Cunning-craft, though Braucherei is exclusively a protective and healing tradition. You will never find a Braucher willing to hex or harm, as they feel they will lose their ability if abused or used for ill. They are the antithesis of the malevolent witch. Brauchers are summoned to heal injuries and alleviate sickness (including animals), break hexes, protect homes and property, and charm items to increase their potency -- all done at no charge. An example of the latter is a charm to make firearms shoot straight and always find their mark. Another well-known Braucherei charm is the himmelsbrief, or 'heaven's letter'. It is a long written charm which is said to have been originally composed by God. Different versions exist. The most famous is the 'Magdeburg Letter' which reportedly fell from the sky in 1783. It is believed that a himmelsbrief hung in one's home will protect the household from danger and sinister forces. If carried in a pocket it will protect the owner from harm. Bilardi provides examples of himmelsbriefs and also includes diagrams of talismans, reduction spells like the ABAXACATABAX charm, and magic squares like the ubiquitous SATOR. Himmelsbrief circa 1850s. Part of the Balkan collection. Notably absent in The Red Church are the iconic barn stars or 'hex signs' of the Pennsylvania Germans. This is a somewhat controversial topic among Brauchers and historians. Some feel hex signs were used to focus and localize the powers of sacred geometry. They may have been used as protective wards or 'painted prayers' to encourage fair weather for crops. Chris Bilardi does not believe they had a specific magical intent, but were instead just simple barn decorations. 'Triple Protection' Hex Sign created by legendary Braucher, Lee Gandee I respectfully disagree (in part) with Mr. Bilardi on this one point. While I'm certainly not a Pennsylvania historian, considering the known Hermetic influences in the state's early history, I think it is fair to assume that some early hex signs were used for magical purposes. It's also likely they were copied by the uninitiated and reduced to a type of folk art by those who were ignorant of their original purpose and symbolic meaning. Regardless, even if hex signs did not originally have magical intent, the point may be a moot one, as hex signs certainly are used magically now. Braucher Lee Gandee used them for magical purposes over 50 years ago. Nor are they going unnoticed by today's practitioners, including those who follow the Urglaawe path, as can be seen at the hex sign site Zaubereigarten. Also included are lunar, planetary, zodiacal, and qabalistic charts to assist in magical timing. A complete Braucherei herbal is provided to instruct the reader on the proper use of magical and medicinal plants. New World practitioners will welcome this, as all the plants are native to North America (or long since naturalized). It is a pharmacopeia of indigenous alternative medicine. Chris Bilardi is nothing if not thorough. The Red Church includes four Appendices: Glossary of Terms, Use of the Psalms and Names of God from Scripture, Pennsylvania German & Standard German Pronunciation Guide (PA German is its own dialect), and Table of Planetary Hours. He also includes a lengthy Bibliography and extensive Index. Physically the book is rather ordinary and what one would normally expect from a standard hardcover. It has slate blue cloth boards. Title and author are gilt-stamped on spine. A cream-colored dust-jacket sports the title in blackletter script and includes a heart with tulip design in the fraktur style of the Pennsylvania Germans. The back includes an image of a distelfink perched on a branch representing 'good luck'. While the jacket may seem somewhat lackluster and monotone, it perfectly reflects the humble yet artful spirit of the Pennsylvania Germans. It should be noted that the cover of the hardback differs from the trade paperback. I'm puzzled why the title is printed uncomfortably close to the top edge of the dust-jacket on both the spine and cover, leaving almost no margin. It's a rather unfortunate placement and aesthetically unappealing. I can only assume it was an overlooked mistake. Other unfortunate oversights include several typos and the chart for the Zodiac Influences is rather blurry (at least in my copy). These are easily avoidable (if not obvious) mistakes that should have been caught by Pendraig Press' editors. Even so, at a cover price of $46 The Red Church is a steal, minor flaws or no. The book includes a tipped in bookplate with a Bible verse handwritten by Chris Bilardi, "And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not." (John 1:5 KJV) Others may vary. What makes this book special and truly talismanic is that it also includes a himmelsbrief designed by the author. It comes enclosed in a red envelope bearing the owner's name. Braucherei books themselves are often considered physical talismans. The tradition's most famous charm book (other than the Bible) is The Long Lost Friend by John George Hohman that famously includes the magical statement: "Whoever carries this book with him, is safe from all his enemies, visible or invisible; and whoever has this book with him cannot die without the holy corpse of Jesus Christ, nor drowned in any water, nor burn up in any fire, nor can any unjust sentence be passed upon him. So help me." The Red Church continues this time-honored tradition by including 'The Binding and Blessing': "Whoever takes possession of this book is bound to do good alone, to the glory of God and for all the well-being of Man and Beast. No part of this work of mercy shall be abused. All who make proper use of the contents of this book shall be blessed and held in Adonai's protective hands, safe from enemies seen and unseen, and from all malign witchcraft. Anyone who abuses this work shall be bound: this book and its contents shall be forever closed and sealed to him." Thus the book itself acts as a protective ward for those worthy of its blessing. Brauchers take these magical declarations very seriously. Readers will notice the frequent mention and use of the color 'red', the book's title being the most obvious. Bilardi writes: "Red is the most common color used in Braucherei; it is also the most mentioned color in Braucherei charms and prayers. The symbolism is very plain and obvious, if dual: red is heat; therefore, it is also 'fire' and 'life' and 'blood' ... In Christian symbolism it is the color of redemption ... it can either impart an action and energy, or it can be used as a sympathetic 'sponge' to remove a condition..." It is not too difficult to notice the alchemical symbolism at work here, most notably the intense focus on the perfected rubedo phase. Undercurrents of Western Esotericism should not be surprising, as some theorize that Braucherei is a folk magic manifestation of Rosicrucianism -- magic come full circle, as it were. Indeed Pennsylvania has a long and colorful early history of resident alchemists, qabbalists, and astrologers, such as George de Benneville, Johann Gotfried Seelig, and Johannes Kelpius, the latter two were part of the Mystics of the Wissahickson who, if not formally, certainly had Rosicrucian leanings. This uniquely American grimoire is a folk magic tour de force. My hope is that it will ensure that Braucherei remains a living tradition for at least a few more generations. Perhaps The Red Church will be as important to the tradition as the Pow-Wow classic Long Lost Friend was over 150 years ago. It should also be noted that Dan Harms, author and mastermind behind the wonderful blog Papers Falling from an Attic Window, has a highly anticipated 'Definitive Edition' of Long Lost Friend in the works. I met Mr. Harms briefly in Providence, RI back in '99. He was friendly and extremely knowledgeable in his area. I am very much looking forward to reading his research on Long Lost Friend. Beautifully restored Long Lost Friend by JRR Bookworks Note* For those interested in learning more about the history of Braucherei (Pow-Wow) beyond this book (particularly from an academic perspective), I would highly recommend Powwowing Among the Pennsylvania Dutch: A Traditional Medical Practice in the Modern World by David W. Kriebel (2007) and Pennsylvania Dutch: Folk Spirituality by the late Richard E. Wentz (1993) who, sadly, just passed on September 25h. As my readers have probably noticed by now, this blog doesn't play favorites; esoteric Christian theurgical texts are reviewed right along side diabolical tracts of infernal pacts. Whether rustic charm books about toad-bone rites or Freemasonic treatises on sacred geometry, I hope everyone finds something of interest or perhaps a new path worthy of further exploration. Thanks again. B. Balkan
A Hexeschpiggel ("witches mirror") is a protective item that one may carry on oneself or keep static in the home. Any mirror will suffice. ...
Pennsylvania's stories of witches and hex cats often misrepresented Braucherei practiced by German settlers.
Pendraig Publishing 548 pages. Black & white illustrations. Octavo. 2009 Standard Edition: Trade Paperback Special Edition: Hardcover, limited to 100 copies. Includes personalized himmelsbrief. The Red Church or The Art of Pennsylvania German Braucherei: The Traditional Blessed Healing Art for the Good of Man and Beast is a massive collection of charms (both verbal and written), prayers, formulae, herbal lore, folk medicine nostrums, and other magical operations that fall within the Pennsylvania German charming tradition known as Braucherei (pronounced BROW-ker-eye; meaning, to try). It is also commonly called 'Pow-Wow' from the Algonquin word 'Pau Wau' which was used to describe medicine men or spiritual leaders. The Red Church is one of the most comprehensive collections of Braucherei practices ever assembled and is arguably the most important book the tradition has seen since Lee Gandee's 1971 autobiographical classic Strange Experience: The Secrets of a Hexenmeister. Author Chris Bilardi, a recently ordained Pastor of the Lutheran Orthodox Church, begins the book with a thorough history of the tradition and the rural culture in which it developed. Bilardi isn't just a historian, he's also a Braucherei practitioner, known as a Braucher or Pow-Wow Doctor (more sorcerous types are sometimes called Hexenmeisters). His stated goal is to preserve this rather obscure folk magic tradition and dispel misconceptions that have arisen in recent years. One such misconception is the tenancy for some to erroneously link Braucherei to Pagan traditions. He believes the Paganizing of Pow-Wow by modern revisionists obscures the tradition's basic tenets and threatens its historical authenticity. There is a legitimate Germanic Pagan practice found in Pennsylvania called Urglaawe (pronounced OOR-glawe-veh; meaning, primal faith), but it is distinctly different from Braucherei, as Braucherei is essentially a Christian folk magic system. It is true that there has always been plenty of cross-pollination within folk magic traditions, and some Braucherei charms can be traced far enough back in European history to possibly have Pagan roots, but the tradition itself and its core belief structure are solidly Christian. Brauchers believe that their power does not originate within them; rather, they are conduits of Divine force. This is why when asked if they can help or heal someone they simply respond, "I can try", as ultimately it is not up to them; it is up to the Divine. It's understandable why Bilardi is protective of Braucherei's heritage considering it nearly disappeared completely during the early 20th century due to the highly sensationalized 'Hex Murder' case in 1928. What remained went underground. Fortunately it is still holding on here and there and even beyond Pennsylvania with known Brauchers practicing quietly in Kentucky and Wisconsin. Like most folk magic traditions, Braucherei utilizes concepts of 'contagous magic' and 'sympathetic magic', much like its southern counterpart: Hoodoo. It is also the Yankee cousin of English Cunning-craft, though Braucherei is exclusively a protective and healing tradition. You will never find a Braucher willing to hex or harm, as they feel they will lose their ability if abused or used for ill. They are the antithesis of the malevolent witch. Brauchers are summoned to heal injuries and alleviate sickness (including animals), break hexes, protect homes and property, and charm items to increase their potency -- all done at no charge. An example of the latter is a charm to make firearms shoot straight and always find their mark. Another well-known Braucherei charm is the himmelsbrief, or 'heaven's letter'. It is a long written charm which is said to have been originally composed by God. Different versions exist. The most famous is the 'Magdeburg Letter' which reportedly fell from the sky in 1783. It is believed that a himmelsbrief hung in one's home will protect the household from danger and sinister forces. If carried in a pocket it will protect the owner from harm. Bilardi provides examples of himmelsbriefs and also includes diagrams of talismans, reduction spells like the ABAXACATABAX charm, and magic squares like the ubiquitous SATOR. Himmelsbrief circa 1850s. Part of the Balkan collection. Notably absent in The Red Church are the iconic barn stars or 'hex signs' of the Pennsylvania Germans. This is a somewhat controversial topic among Brauchers and historians. Some feel hex signs were used to focus and localize the powers of sacred geometry. They may have been used as protective wards or 'painted prayers' to encourage fair weather for crops. Chris Bilardi does not believe they had a specific magical intent, but were instead just simple barn decorations. 'Triple Protection' Hex Sign created by legendary Braucher, Lee Gandee I respectfully disagree (in part) with Mr. Bilardi on this one point. While I'm certainly not a Pennsylvania historian, considering the known Hermetic influences in the state's early history, I think it is fair to assume that some early hex signs were used for magical purposes. It's also likely they were copied by the uninitiated and reduced to a type of folk art by those who were ignorant of their original purpose and symbolic meaning. Regardless, even if hex signs did not originally have magical intent, the point may be a moot one, as hex signs certainly are used magically now. Braucher Lee Gandee used them for magical purposes over 50 years ago. Nor are they going unnoticed by today's practitioners, including those who follow the Urglaawe path, as can be seen at the hex sign site Zaubereigarten. Also included are lunar, planetary, zodiacal, and qabalistic charts to assist in magical timing. A complete Braucherei herbal is provided to instruct the reader on the proper use of magical and medicinal plants. New World practitioners will welcome this, as all the plants are native to North America (or long since naturalized). It is a pharmacopeia of indigenous alternative medicine. Chris Bilardi is nothing if not thorough. The Red Church includes four Appendices: Glossary of Terms, Use of the Psalms and Names of God from Scripture, Pennsylvania German & Standard German Pronunciation Guide (PA German is its own dialect), and Table of Planetary Hours. He also includes a lengthy Bibliography and extensive Index. Physically the book is rather ordinary and what one would normally expect from a standard hardcover. It has slate blue cloth boards. Title and author are gilt-stamped on spine. A cream-colored dust-jacket sports the title in blackletter script and includes a heart with tulip design in the fraktur style of the Pennsylvania Germans. The back includes an image of a distelfink perched on a branch representing 'good luck'. While the jacket may seem somewhat lackluster and monotone, it perfectly reflects the humble yet artful spirit of the Pennsylvania Germans. It should be noted that the cover of the hardback differs from the trade paperback. I'm puzzled why the title is printed uncomfortably close to the top edge of the dust-jacket on both the spine and cover, leaving almost no margin. It's a rather unfortunate placement and aesthetically unappealing. I can only assume it was an overlooked mistake. Other unfortunate oversights include several typos and the chart for the Zodiac Influences is rather blurry (at least in my copy). These are easily avoidable (if not obvious) mistakes that should have been caught by Pendraig Press' editors. Even so, at a cover price of $46 The Red Church is a steal, minor flaws or no. The book includes a tipped in bookplate with a Bible verse handwritten by Chris Bilardi, "And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not." (John 1:5 KJV) Others may vary. What makes this book special and truly talismanic is that it also includes a himmelsbrief designed by the author. It comes enclosed in a red envelope bearing the owner's name. Braucherei books themselves are often considered physical talismans. The tradition's most famous charm book (other than the Bible) is The Long Lost Friend by John George Hohman that famously includes the magical statement: "Whoever carries this book with him, is safe from all his enemies, visible or invisible; and whoever has this book with him cannot die without the holy corpse of Jesus Christ, nor drowned in any water, nor burn up in any fire, nor can any unjust sentence be passed upon him. So help me." The Red Church continues this time-honored tradition by including 'The Binding and Blessing': "Whoever takes possession of this book is bound to do good alone, to the glory of God and for all the well-being of Man and Beast. No part of this work of mercy shall be abused. All who make proper use of the contents of this book shall be blessed and held in Adonai's protective hands, safe from enemies seen and unseen, and from all malign witchcraft. Anyone who abuses this work shall be bound: this book and its contents shall be forever closed and sealed to him." Thus the book itself acts as a protective ward for those worthy of its blessing. Brauchers take these magical declarations very seriously. Readers will notice the frequent mention and use of the color 'red', the book's title being the most obvious. Bilardi writes: "Red is the most common color used in Braucherei; it is also the most mentioned color in Braucherei charms and prayers. The symbolism is very plain and obvious, if dual: red is heat; therefore, it is also 'fire' and 'life' and 'blood' ... In Christian symbolism it is the color of redemption ... it can either impart an action and energy, or it can be used as a sympathetic 'sponge' to remove a condition..." It is not too difficult to notice the alchemical symbolism at work here, most notably the intense focus on the perfected rubedo phase. Undercurrents of Western Esotericism should not be surprising, as some theorize that Braucherei is a folk magic manifestation of Rosicrucianism -- magic come full circle, as it were. Indeed Pennsylvania has a long and colorful early history of resident alchemists, qabbalists, and astrologers, such as George de Benneville, Johann Gotfried Seelig, and Johannes Kelpius, the latter two were part of the Mystics of the Wissahickson who, if not formally, certainly had Rosicrucian leanings. This uniquely American grimoire is a folk magic tour de force. My hope is that it will ensure that Braucherei remains a living tradition for at least a few more generations. Perhaps The Red Church will be as important to the tradition as the Pow-Wow classic Long Lost Friend was over 150 years ago. It should also be noted that Dan Harms, author and mastermind behind the wonderful blog Papers Falling from an Attic Window, has a highly anticipated 'Definitive Edition' of Long Lost Friend in the works. I met Mr. Harms briefly in Providence, RI back in '99. He was friendly and extremely knowledgeable in his area. I am very much looking forward to reading his research on Long Lost Friend. Beautifully restored Long Lost Friend by JRR Bookworks Note* For those interested in learning more about the history of Braucherei (Pow-Wow) beyond this book (particularly from an academic perspective), I would highly recommend Powwowing Among the Pennsylvania Dutch: A Traditional Medical Practice in the Modern World by David W. Kriebel (2007) and Pennsylvania Dutch: Folk Spirituality by the late Richard E. Wentz (1993) who, sadly, just passed on September 25h. As my readers have probably noticed by now, this blog doesn't play favorites; esoteric Christian theurgical texts are reviewed right along side diabolical tracts of infernal pacts. Whether rustic charm books about toad-bone rites or Freemasonic treatises on sacred geometry, I hope everyone finds something of interest or perhaps a new path worthy of further exploration. Thanks again. B. Balkan
The Role of the Cunning Person in the Sicilian Tradition We are called by many names, maghi, benedetti, i ma’ari, and behind our backs those who dislike us call us ‘streghe’, but our role does not...
Visit the post for more.
Explore the Pennsylvania Deitsch tradition of powwowing, which is a form of folk medicine once commonly practiced by people called Braucherei.
The Rules of Braucherei by Silver RavenWolf Braucherei (Pow-Wow) actually has very few rules. If we study the system and its practitioners over the last 300 years, we learn that the practic…
In the Appalachian Mountains, folk magic goes by many names: root work, granny magic, kitchen witchery, Braucherei, witchcraft.
Message us with the task you would like performed and, depending on its degree of simplicity, we’ll give you a coupon for 20-40% off the price. A ritual to create an intelligent being composed of the four elements bound together by the fifth. This ritual was designed according to the principles expounded by Czech Hermetist Franz Bardon in Step VI of Part II of his first textbook, Initiation Into Hermetics, and later in his second, The Practice of Magical Evocation. As Bardon will teach you, these elementals work most effectively on what he calls “the mental plane”. This means that the most natural task for a Bardonian elemental to undertake is the reprogramming of the mind: either your own or someone else’s. Examples of this would be stopping intrusive thoughts in your own mind, or introducing thought patterns into another person’s mind. The elemental is then, after a fashion, something of an unseen hypnotic operator. It is also possible for elementals created according to Bardon’s technique to be made effective on planes besides the mental i.e. the astral. This, though, requires a regimen of alteration according to parts of the Hermetic tradition that are foreign to Bardon’s work. Influencing natural forces would be the work of elementals on the astral plane. The magicians who will be employed in the creation of an elemental to perform your task are all highly advanced and experienced in their practice, and all have met Bardon’s requirements to undertake this sacred and dangerous act. I implore the reader not to try reading Bardon selectively and endeavoring to haphazardly create their own elemental.
Greetings, all! This week, we’re very lucky to be able to host a new article by the rather brilliant author of The Red Church, Chris Bilardi. The article will be put up in two parts over two days.…
