The Powwow Guy

Powwow has many different variations on paper talismans and charms.  Most of these are not works of art, nor are they meant to be.  A written charm is meant to be functional and practical.  In most cases, a few words from scripture written on a slip of paper suffices.  In some extreme cases, however, there may be a need for discreteness and secrecy.  In those instances, there is another Powwow technique for creating written charms that I like to use.  This is a variation of the method outlined by Chris Bilardi in his book The Red Church.

Please note that these charms can be made for many purposes; from stopping blood to healing wounds to protection, and I'm sure you can creatively think of other uses as well.  The creation is the same, the only thing that varies is the wording that you will use.

Here is a simple charm for protection for Sally Worth to carry in order to remain safe from her enemies.

LJ. C, P sw FahANaCbhE * It no T FSHS a + + +

Doesn't look like much, does it?  Here's how it's made:

A blessing is created using prayers, scripture verse, or whatever in order to state your need.  In this example, here's what I wrote for Sally:

"Lord Jesus Christ, protect Sally Worth from all harm and negative actions caused by her enemies.  In the names of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit Amen. + + +"

Not very detailed or imaginative, I admit, but still effective.

Now, because secrecy is an issue, we've taken the first letter of every word and written them out like this:

LJCPSWFAHANACBHEITNOTFSAHSA +++

We could easily leave it at that, but a clever individual may be able to decipher this message (hey, you never know), so we change it up a bit, add some spaces, make some letters lower case and some upper, put a random star here and there, I've even seen numbers added to the mix chosen for their astrological and/or biblical associations. 

Now Sally has an effective but secret charm to carry with her, and anyone finding the charm would be hard-pressed to figure it out. 

Hexerei is, in the mind of the PA Dutch, the practice of negative witchery.  Hexerei is self-serving; satisfying the ego of the caster and placing their own will above the will of God.  Throughout history, people have not only believed in the power of hexerei, but many have claimed to be practitioners...and have used their knowledge to cause harm and discord.  One famous case is the Nelson Rehmeyer murder.  It is said that a local witch is the one who told the murderers that it was Rehmeyer, a local Powwow, who was responsible for their woes and that, in order to lift the curse (which Nelson never cast in the first place), the men must get a lock of his hair and his copy of the Long Lost Friend.  By the end of the adventure, Nelson was dead and the men were in jail.  This is the deception of hexerei, that it's application can somehow be justified, or that the hex has your best interests in mind.  The reality of the Rehmeyer case is that the hex (witch) probably was jealous of Nelson's good reputation, and so she took action against him.

Hexerei is practiced by those who place Ego above God.  It is NOT to be confused with Powwow.  Nor should it be confused with some of the definitions of modern witchery, which include things like Wicca and other forms of neopaganism.  Sometimes Powwow is erroniously called 'hex work', I have been guilty of using this term myself on occasion, but this is incorrect.

The dictionary defines 'hex' as:

n.

1. An evil spell; a curse.

2. One that brings bad luck.

tr.v. hexed, hex·ing, hex·es

1. To put a hex on.

2. To bring or wish bad luck to: "Chilly evening weather and a chain of minor snafus seemed to hex the $5,000-a-seat gala on Governors Island" (Newsweek).

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[Pennsylvania Dutch, from German hexen, to hex, from Hexe, witch, from Middle High German hecse, from Old High German hagzissa.]

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hexer n.

Word History: The word hex is a good example of the sort of borrowing from other languages that occurred in the English-speaking former colonies of Great Britain. German and Swiss immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania in the late 17th and 18th centuries spoke a dialect of German known as Pennsylvania Dutch. In this dialect hexe was the equivalent of the German verb hexen, "to practice sorcery." The English verb hex, first recorded in the sense "to practice witchcraft" in an 1830 work called Annals of Philadelphia, is borrowed from Pennsylvania Dutch, as is the noun.

"Hex" finds it's equivelent in non-PA German language as "witch".  The problem comes with the use of the word 'witch' in it's modern sense versus it's historical sense.  In modern day (post 1950's), the word is used mostly synonamously with the neo religion of Wicca, although other non-Wicca sects (and individuals) are embracing this term for themselves.  However, this should not (in general) be confused with the hexerei, which will always represent those who use their magic for malevolent and/or self-serving purposes without regard to others, and in defiance of God.  This is not the path of the Powwow, nor should it ever be confused as such.

So how does one counteract the workings of the hex?  That's a complex question, with no real definitive answer.  First of all, we can use our faith and the power of God to counteract such work.  Nothing in this world is greater than the power of God.  No individual's ego can match the power of God.  Secondly, we can make sure we do not further empower such individuals with our fears and anxieties.  While the use of hexerei is more prevalent now than it probably has ever been (just search the web for curses and hexes, you'll see), it is pointless to give in to irrational fears and worries over such things.  Thirdly, be sure your own conscience is clear and trust that your faith will protect you.  At the end of the day, a hex only has as much power as you give him or her.  If you surround yourself with your strong faith, you will have nothing to fear.

If you read through this site, especially the Protective Charms page, you'll find some good tips for protecting yourself from negative witchery.  The historical written works of Powwow are filled with tips and charms for protection against witchcraft.   Also, I recommend partaking in the sacred communion at your church.  You can make sure all gifts given to you are safe by making a blessing over them or consecrating them in the name of God.  Have your Pastor bless your home.  If you have further questions, search through this site or contact me and we can talk about it. 

May God bless you and all the good work that you do!

                                             +   +   +

A cursory glance at PowWow gives the impression that it is a simple folk healing practice with little depth.  However, a more thorough understanding of the system reveals that it is steeped in Judeo-Christian mysticism and biblical symbolism; and the study of some of these elements is fascinating and reveals much about the true Christian foundations of PowWow.

The Color Red

The use of the color red in PowWow is nothing new.  It's a color of power and energy and, most importantly, it's the color of blood.  Red strings are worn as protective charms around the wrist to guard against demonic attacks and other harmful influences.  This can be found within Jewish folklore, especially as a guard for newborns against the lilitu, a type of demon.  They also help protect what is rightfully ours (sort of an anti-thievery talisman).  If one reads the story of Judah and his daughter-in-law Tamar; and the birth of her twins, you will see the use of the red string to protect the firstborn's birthright. 

When the time came for her to give birth, there were twin boys in her womb.  As she was giving birth, one of them put out his hand; so the midwife took a scarlet thread and tied it on his wrist and said, "This one came out first."  Genesis 38:27-28

They can also signify that one is saved. In Christianity, one is saved by accepting that the blood of Christ was shed in order to cleanse of sin.  The red string around the wrist symbolizes your acceptance of this truth.  

Many of the charms within Hohman's Long Lost Friend call upon the power of the blood of Christ.  Here are a few examples:

--A good remedy for bad wounds and burns--

The word of God, the milk of Jesus' mother, and Christ's blood, is for all wounds and burnings good.

--To remove pain and heal up wounds with three switches--

With this switch and Christ's dear blood,  I banish your pain and do you good!

--Remedy for fever, worms, and the colic--

Jerusalem, thou Jewish city, in which Christ our Lord was born; Thou shalt turn into water and blood, because it is for (name) fever, worms, and colic good.

--A safe and approved means to be applied in cases of fire and pestilence--

(excerpt from longer version) I command unto thee, fire, to abate thy heat, by the precious blood of Jesus Christ, which he has shed for us, and our sins and transgressions

Those are just a few of the many examples of Christ's blood being called upon in PowWow work. 

Red doors are another prominent feature amongst the old farm houses in PA Dutch country. 

Front of the Nelson Rehmeyer home.

There is biblical precedence for this as well.  For this answer, let's look at Exodus where God instructs Moses to tell the Israelites to slaughter a lamb and mark their doorways in it's blood so they will be spared during the Passover:

Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the door frames of the houses where they eat the lambs......On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn-and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt....The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are; and when I see the blood, I will pass over you.  No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt..  Exodus 12:7, 12-13 (some bits omitted).

Scene from Prince of Egypt depicting the Passover.

On my own house, which is designed and decorated to represent the PA Dutch culture and style, the front door was originally painted red.  Before I moved into the house, the owner repainted the door black.  While I like the black door, I would love to have it restored to it's red color.  Unfortunately, this is out of my control...

Many illnesses and ailments are often 'seen' as red; possibly due to the color of the skin after a burn or swelling.  Heat is seen as red as well.  And blood is, obvioulsy, red. 

Barns are typically painted red, but this is really more for convenience and endurance reasons as opposed to occult reasons, but the color is still unmistakenly a part of our culture. 

Red painted barn, with hex sign, in Columbia County Pennsylvania.

The book, The Red Church by Chris Bilardi, is titled after this idea of the color red being used within PowWow throughout history. 

The actual "red church", of Lutheran denomination, exists in Orwigsburg PA.

The Red Church, Orwigsburg Pennsylvania

Numbers and other oddities...

The number 77 features in an obscure charm for fevers...

A good remedy for the fever

Good morning, dear Thursday!   Take away from (name) the 77-fold fevers.  Oh! thou dear Lord Jesus Christ, take them away from him! +++

This must be used on Thursday for the first time, on Friday for the second time, and on Saturday for the third time; and each time thrice.  The prayer of faith has also to be said each time, and not a word dare be spoken to anyone until the sun has risen.  Neither dare the sick person speak to anyone till after sunrise; nor eat pork, nor drink milk, nor cross a running water, for nine days.

Let's take this charm apart and examine all of it's Judeo-Christian symbolism:

"Good morning, dear Thursday!.....used on a Thursday for the first time...." -Why Thursday?  Traditionally, the Last Supper is thought to have taken place on Thursday.  Afterward, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray and was arrested shortly after.  Thursday is seen as a Holy day for this reason. 

"77-fold..." - The number seven, and multiples of it, are repeated countless times throughout the bible.  What is most fascinating to me, however, is that Jesus Himself mentions the "Kingdom" of God 77 times throughout the New Testament.  I have learned that nothing is within the bible without purpose, and this repetition of numbers is significant. 

In PowWow, charms are often repeated three times; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 

For a more thorough look at the use of numbers in PowWow, skim through the Bible and you will see the many repetitions.  This is a study way beyond the scope of this blog, but I wanted to mention it so you can see the biblical origins of the usage of these numbers.

"the prayer of faith..."  I will not go into this one.  This is one of those PowWow things that a Christian would understand.   

"nor eat pork, nor drink milk...." these are straight from Old Testament Judaic laws.  There are many food-related laws in the Old Testament that give instruction as to clean and unclean things to eat.  Certain things should never be mixed together, and other restrictions apply.  These instructions speak of the Judaic influence insofar as fasting and dietary restriction during the period of healing.

"not a word dare be spoken to anyone until after the sun has risen..." There are instructions within this charm for both the PowWow and the sick person to adhere to.  Neither can speak to anyone until after sunrise on all three days the charm is worked.  Both have other instructions as well, such as the recitation of the prayer of faith, the dietary restrictions, and so forth.  This is important because, within PowWow, these detailed instructions are often ignored by practitioners.  It is important for us to stick with these instructions so that we can gain the maximum benefit of using these particular charms.  Just another oddity that makes PowWow unique!

PowWow, if taken seriously and done correctly, can be a complex study, and an even more complex practice.  It has many little nuances and tidbits that are not readily noticeable at first glance.  However, the deeper you entrench yourself into this tradition, the more mysticism and spiritual power you will find.  One of my favorite statements is "What's worth doing, is worth doing well." and nowhere is this more true than within PowWow. 

May God bless you always in the good work that you do. +++

When I was originally introduced to PowWow, my teacher taught that one must ALWAYS whisper the spoken parts of the charms; they must NEVER be spoken out loud.  And because this is what I was told, this is how I did it.  However, over time I realized that I was not entirely comfortable with this method of working with verbal charms.  To me, whispering something implies that it's a secret.  It implies that I don't really want the individual that I'm trying for to actually hear what I'm saying.  Why would this be?  If someone comes to me for PowWow, it is with the understanding that I am going to speaking biblical verses and/or other words of healing over them.  So, with this in mind, I did some research...

Historically speaking, I can find no real instruction for whispering the charms.  Here in PA, the book considered 'authoritative' on the tradition of PowWow is Hohman's Long Lost Friend.  Let's see what he has to say about it...

A Good Remedy for Hysterics....."speak the following at the same time...."

A Certain Remedy to Stop Bleeding......"if only his first name is rightly pronounced...."

A Good Remedy for Worms......."this must be repeated three times...."

A Good Remedy for the Fever......"the prayer of faith has also to be said each time..."

To Make a Wand for Searching for Iron......"the words to be spoken when the wand is thus applied..."

A Very Good Remedy for Mortification....."everything which is applied in words, must be applied three times..."

A Very Good Remedy to Destroy Bots or Worms in Horses......"mention the name of the horse, and say..."

To Cure Fits or Convulsions......"repeat the following words..."

Cure for the Headache......"this you must say three times..."

A Very Good means of Destroying the Wheal in the Eye...."hold the plate before the eye, you must say..."

Words to be Spoken while making divinatory wands...."the following words must be spoken..."

In Egyptian Secrets of Albertus Magnus, we see only one comment on the recitation of charms... "called aloud with devotion..."

These examples serve to illustrate that, originally, the system of PowWow was a system of spoken charms, not whispered.  Perhaps the idea of whispering came about as a means of protecting family charms, or possibly the whispering of a charm keeps the client at ease...  Who can really say?  In almost all written accounts of powwowing experiences, the individuals who received the powwowing recall that they could not clearly hear the words being spoken, or the charms were mumbled or whispered.  At least a small part of this may be due to poor memory of the experience, or perhaps the powwower intentionally kept their voice low so as to keep the charm a secret.  Whatever the reason, the practice of whispering seems to be rather popular.

Now, let's get into the subject of physical contact.

I believe it is a monster of modern creation that we cannot physically make contact with one another.  This is extremely sad as human touch is so incredibly powerful.  In this day and age of disgusting accusations, people are fearful of touching other individuals, and rightly so.  However, in at least some of the charms, skin to skin contact is essential.

Let's see what Hohman says:

"Note: -- The hand must be put upon the bare skin in all cases of using sympathetic words."

There are some charms that do not require skin contact.  However, the "laying on of hands" is pretty much what it implies... hands are laid on you.  Depending on the specifics of the client's situation, it may be necessary to have the powwower's hands placed on you.  Certainly this would not be weird or creepy, but rather an essential part of the powwowing experience.

The final word on whispering and skin contact is that there is no final word.  Each individual's experience of powwowing is slightly different.  As for me, I tend to be a little more 'by the book' and have been known to speak my charms aloud so the client knows what I am saying.  However, I have also whispered certain charms because I was either uncomfortable speaking them in front of the client or because I wanted the words to remain a secret.  Ultimately it is up to you to set the rules of your powwowing.

I've decided to edit and repost this since I believe it's a really important post. Talisman-making utilizing metals can be extremely difficult and expensive, and so therefore I am really pleased with how well my paper talismans method has been received.

Another custom then in vogue among the Germans in Pennsylvania was the wearing of an "anhangsel," a kind of astrological amulet or talisman . . . In rare cases a thin stone or sheet of metal was used in place of parchment. These "anhangsel," or "zauber-zettel" as they were called, were prepared by the Mystics of the Community with certain occult ceremonies at such times as the culmination of a particular star or the conjunction of certain planets . . . (and) supposed to exercise an extraordinary influence over the destiny of the bearer, particularly in averting disease, checking the power of evil spirits, and defending the wearer from malice and all harm . . . hardly an adult or child was to be found without one . . .

--The Realness of Witchcraft in America, A. Monroe Aurand, Jr. 1942

The crafting of planetary talismans is an art and science all it's own.  Traditionally, planetary talismans are crafted using various metals known to resonate with specific planetary energies and the images are etched into the metal using diamond-tipped implements.  These talismans are crafted under very specific astrological conditions during certain planetary hours and so forth.  In short, the making of a planetary talisman is very exact and not for those who are looking for a quick magical project to do.

I have taken the traditional methods and altered them to be a little more user-friendly for those of us who do not have access to various metals and engraving tools or for those who simply want to work with paper.  Paper planetary talismans can still serve the same purpose as their metal counterparts and also be a little easier to create.  The astrological conditions for creating these talismans is exactly the same as the traditional methods but the materials are much more readily available.

Before we begin, check out THIS LINK for an explanation of calculating planetary hours.  It is important to your work that you have at least a rudimentary understanding of astrological energies so you know exactly which type of talisman you are creating and which astro energies to work within.

The planetary talisman I'll demonstrate is a symbol talisman for protection.  (pictured above).

Basic supplies are some heavy duty paper in various colors (if you choose to use colors, which I do because I'm not using metals), scissors, glue, and a good marker.  I prefer the heavy-duty scrapbooking paper because it holds up better with glue than regular printing or construction paper.

Planetary talismans work with three basic shapes; the circle, the five-pointed star, and the six-pointed star. 

Because I've chosen to create a talisman for Protection, I am working on a Saturday in the astrological hour of Saturn.  If the Sun or Moon is in the sign of Capricorn or Aries, so much the better.  For Protection, you can use both waxing or waning moon; both are effective.  Remember that the more fine-tuning you do on timing, the more power there will be in your talisman. 

In the center of the five-pointed star I've drawn the sign of the sickle; which is for cutting away.  This sickle is symbolic of the separation of the wheat from the chaff.  Sickle imagery is used in the Bible to demonstrate Christ as the harvester.  It is perfect as a symbol of Protection from those who would be detrimental to us.  Feel free to put your own symbol of Protection here. 

In the center of the six-pointed star I've chosen symbols for deity.  In this case, the triple crucifix for Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Now is when you glue the five-pointed star on one side and the six-pointed star on the other side.  Don't get too crazy with the glue or the paper will roll up on itself.  Just a light coating of glue and a little pressure for a few seconds should do it.

Now with your marker you are placing the symbols that call upon divinity to infuse the talisman with holy powers.  These symbols are called the Alphabet of the Magi and, on my talisman, they are the letters for the name of Jesus.  Go to THIS LINK to see this alphabet.

On the side with the six-pointed star I've written out exactly who is protected by this talisman.

Now that the talisman construction is finished, I pray for it's effectiveness then place it where I feel it will be most effective; typically near the main entrance to my home. 

Planetary talismans can be extremely effective if created properly.  Simply throwing one together without consideration for the planetary energies you are working with will basically make it ineffective.  It's crucial that you follow the specifics for creation and be sure to ask for the blessing of God on all that you do.

In other schools of magical thought, the cloth Braucher Charm (also seen referred to as a Brauche Bag) is sometimes called a gris gris bag, a mojo bag, a charm pouch, and by other names.  In each tradition these handmade pouches will be made slightly different but the general idea is that you have a pouch and inside you put something to either draw a specific thing toward you or protect you from a specific thing or remove a specific thing from your body/life.  The bag is then tied or sewn shut and either hidden somewhere safe or carried around in some way until your problem is resolved.  In the case of the Brauche Bag, these are generally crafted to aid in the removal of specific illnesses but can also be protective. 

The making of a Brauche Bag is a simple affair and it requires just a few household items:

-a square of cloth; white or unbleached is best but you can also use red

-needle and thread; same rules apply to thread as they do cloth (unbleached or undyed or red)

-a bit of silver.  I have seen reference to using mercury but silver is much easier to get and to work with.  While not entirely purely silver-but close at around 90%-, the old silver quarters seem to work nicely.  These are typically referred to as 'junk silver' but for a Brauche Bag they are just perfect.

-a handmade paper or metal charm/talisman for your purposes.  For example, if the Brauche Bag is for removing a fever, then the appropriate fever reduction charm would be made.  If for protection, then a Letter of Protection or protective charm would be made; and so forth.  These are typically then folded up to fit inside the bag.

-your Bible.  While not always actually used in some Braucher processes, it should always at the very least be present while you are working.

-I have also seen, and used, certain herbal ingredients in the making of these charm bags, but typically the number of ingredients is few; one or two at most; so it's best not to get too crazy with filling up the pouch.

To make the Brauche Charm Bag, simply lay out the materials then add the silver (or mercury, if that's what you are using) to the material then place the folded charm on top then sew the whole thing together.  While this is happening, the Braucher would be praying for the intended purpose of the Charm Bag.  When you are nearly finished, be sure to put the last three stitches into the fabric in the names of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Seal the Charm Bag with the sign of the cross (with the thumb of your right hand) as you do at the end of all healing sessions. 

Now the Charm Bag is either sewn into the inside of an article of clothing, attached to a cord to be worn around the neck, or hidden inside the wall or woodwork of your home or barn.  The Charm Bag must never be opened and, when it's purpose has been fulfilled, the bag is put somewhere to rot away.  You can bury it on the corner of your property or wherever you feel is appropriate.  Tradition states that you should not ever open the Charm Bag so it's best to just bury it instead of burning or dismantling.

I feel it's important to state that, while this is a relatively simple process, it should not be taken lightly or done frivolously.  Many Brauchers who create Charm Bags would probably do so in conjunction with specific astrological influences and for many of us there is undoubtedly a period of spiritual/religious preparation that takes place prior to the creation of such things.  We are typically not in the habit of making 'cheap magic'.  Like all else within our tradition, the crafting of a Brauche Bag is a part of our sacred work and the specific prayers (and conjurations) used in this process would be known only to the Braucher himself.

On the surface, we tend to view PA Dutch Pow-wow as a simple country system of folk healing.  And that would be a correct view.  However, another layer of the tradition exists wherein the creation of talismans and amulets is skillfully practiced.  Unlike other magical or psuedo-magical traditions, the creation of amulets within the Braucher tradition is not commonplace nor is it done frivolously.  This is a practice rooted in ancient pre-Christ (but still Biblical) times that is carried into modern day.  The serious practitioner of this aspect of Pow-wow will undoubtedly utilize astrological occurrences in conjunction with the use of specific metals or other materials.  Often amulets and talismans are crafted from paper and carefully chosen inks.  These are all matters of personal preference and practice and each Pow-wow will have their own unique methods of amulet and talisman creation or, at the very least, their own preference for materials.

Some of the more common amulets that you will find within a Pow-wow household are those of protection utilizing a series of letters and/or statements; such as the following:

I

N  I  R

I

Sanctus. Spiritus.

I

N  I  R

I

All this be guarded here in time and there in eternity.

The above can be drawn/written on parchment or engraved into a specific metal (most often silver due to it's availability) with a stylis of some type. 

In many old barns and homes across PA Dutch country in Pennsylvania, old protective amulets have been found hidden within antique guns, rolled up and placed in knotholes inside barns, or even carefully folded and tucked in the pages of an old family Bible. 

Here is another common written charm that is still created today by a Catholic church in Mount Carmel Pennsvlvania:

20            MCBTD            12

INRI

JJJ

20            MCBTD            12

This odd-looking series of numbers and letters is printed on slips of paper and given to the congregation to tape on the wall above the entrance to their home.  The four corners contain the numbers of the current year (the blessing is renewed every year).  The letters "MCBTD" stand for "May Christ Bless This Dwelling"  and the three J's are an old practice of invoking the name of Christ three times "Jesus. Jesus. Jesus."; a common theme in PA Dutch Pow-wow.

In many homes you may find printed excerpts from the Bible placed in strategic locations to serve as protective amulets.  It is no new belief that the word of God is protective and offers other blessings.  The most common of these is a copy of Psalm 91.

One of the oldest and most fascinating discoveries of the archaeological expeditions in Jerusalem (found in 1979) is the find of two silver amulets dated to about the 7th Century BC.  These small bits of silver contain passages from the book of Numbers 6:24-26

"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace."

These amulets were rolled up and worn by the Priests, probably around their necks, to serve as a protection and blessing from God.

From engraved silver to folded himmelsbriefs, the protective amulet has a rich history and a firm place within the practice of PA Dutch Pow-wow.  It is a practice that on the surface appears simplistic yet is rooted in the occult knowledge of the planets and stars and all of their associated alchemical materials. 

It's very sad that we even need charms like this, but this time of year especially we see and hear stories about families being robbed or houses being broken into.  They say that desperate times call for desperate measures, but nothing on this earth forces us to be victims of other people's desperate measures.  To that end, I am sharing some of the more common charms for protecting your home from thieves and burglars this holiday season. 

All of these charms are taken directly from Long Lost Friend.

To Protect Houses and Premises Against Theft

Its, alto Massa Dandi Bando, III. Amen

J. R. N. R. J.

Our Lord Jesus Christ stepped into the ahll, and the Jews searched him everywhere.  Thus shalt those who now speak evil of me with their false tongues, and contend against me, one day bear sorrows, be silenced, dumbstruck, intimidated, and abused, forever and ever, by the glory of God.  The glory of God shall assist me in this.  Do thou aid me J. J. J. forever and ever.  Amen.

The above is written on a piece of parchment and hidden in the home.  It acts as a curse against those who would attempt to cause us harm.

A Good Charm Against Thieves

There are three lilies standing upon the grave of the Lord our God; the first one is the courage of God, the other is the blood of God, and the third one is the will of God.  Stand still, thief!   No more than Jesus Christ stepped down from the cross, no more shalt thou move from this spot; this I command thee by the four evangelists and elements of heaven, there in the river, or in the shot, or in the judgment, or in the sight.  Thus I conjure you by the last judgment to stand still and not to move, until I see all the stars in heaven and the sun rises again.  Thus I stop by running and jumping and command it in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  Amen

This must be repeated three times.

To Charm Enemies, Robbers and Murderers

God be with you, brethren; stop, ye thieves, robbers, murderers, horsemen, and soldiers, in all humility, for we have tasted the rosy blood of Jesus.  Your rifles and guns will be stopped up with the holy blood of Jesus; and all swords and arms are made harmless byt he five holy wounds of jesus.  There are three roses upon the heart of God; the first is beneficent, the other is omnipotent, the third is his holy will.  You thieves must therefore stand under it, standing still as long as I will.  In the name of God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, you are conjured and made to stand!

Repeat three times.

A Charm to be Carried About the Person

Carry these words about you, and nothing can hit you (or steal your wallet!)

Ananiah, Azariah, and Misael, blessed be the Lord, for he has redeemed us from hell, and has saved us from death, and he has redeemed us out of the fiery furnace, and has preserved us even in the midst of the fire; in the same manner may it please him the Lord that there be no fire.

   I

NIR

   I

To Prevent Bad People From Getting About Your Home (originally used to protect cattle)

Take wormwood, five-finger grass and asafoetida, blend with some dirt swept up from behind your back door and add a little salt.  Tie these all up together with tape and put the bundle in a hole over the entrance to your home and cover it up.  This will certainly be of use.

The use of a forked branch or stick to search for water is fairly well known. Finding hidden water or metals is what is refered to in Powwow as "divination". This practice has been expanded upon within the tradition to finding lost objects. A section of outdoor space is designated as a floor plan of the patient's home or place of employment or whatever. The forked branch is held with the forked branches in each hand, the bottom of the Y part facing out. You walk over the area. When the single branch points downward, that represents the area where your patient will find their lost object.

The following two charms from Long Lost Friend (Hohman, 1820, Reading PA) are curious and interesting and worth a try.  If you are looking for something a little folksy and magical to do this Christmas then here you go! 

To Make a Wand for Searching for Iron, Ore or Water

On the first night of Christmas, between 11 and 12 o'clock, break off from any tree a young twig of one year's growth, in the three highest names (Father, Son, and Holy Ghost), at the same time facing toward sunrise.  Whenever you apply this wand in searching for anything, apply it three times.  The twig must be forked, and each end of the fork must be held in one hand, so that the third and thickest part of it stands up, but do not hold it too tight.  Strike the ground with the thickest end, and that which you desire will appear immediately, if there is any in the ground where you strike.  The words to be spoken when the wand is thus applied are as follows:

Archangel Gabriel, I conjure thee in the name of God, the Almighty, to tell me, is there any water here or not?  Do tell me!  + + +

If you are searching for Iron or Ore, you have to say the same, only mention the name of what you are searching for.

Words to be Spoken While Making Divinatory Wands

In making divinatory wands, they must be broken as before directed, and while breaking and before using them, the following words must be spoken:

Divining rod, do thou keep that power

Which God gave unto thee at the very first hour.

If anyone does this as a project, I'd love to hear about it!  Write to me at robertphoenix73@gmail.com !

Pow-wow is great for minor aches and pains or the type of injuries and mishaps that might occur throughout the normal course of your day; such as scrapes, cuts, bruises, minor burns, headaches, and so forth.

Here are some quick Pow-wow techniques that you can use either on yourself or on someone else to take care of those daily accidents and get you through to bedtime in one piece.

Some quick tips to remember:

-Your faith in God is what powers the work you do.

-Stay calm and relaxed in a minor emergency situation.

-Repeat the spoken parts of the charms for a total of three times unless otherwise noted.

-At the end of each charm, seal the healing with the words "In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen" and make the sign of the cross over the affected area with the thumb of your right hand.

Headaches

-Nothing can ruin a perfectly good day faster than a headache.  Try this Pow-wow charm for relieving headache pain.

Place hands on forehead and say

"Tame thou flesh and bone, like Christ in Paradise, and who will assist thee, this I tell thee (name) for your repentance sake."

Minor Burns

-blow gently on the affected area with three quick, light breaths, then say:

"Burn I blow on thee"

To Stop Bleeding

-Hold hands over affected area and say:

"This is the day on which the injury happened.  Blood, thou must stop, until the Virgin Mary brings forth another son."

For general pain, mostly that of arthritis or sore joints

-massage affected area while saying:

"Pain, I order thee out of the bones and into the flesh; out of the flesh and upon the skin; out of the skin and into the wilds of the forest"

For snake bite (hey, you never know!)

"God has created all things and they were good,

Thou only, serpent, art damned.

Cursed be thou and thy sting!"

For Sprains

Massage the affected area gently while saying:

"Christ hung on the cross in pain,

and thy leg (or whatever) has got the sprain,

As His hanging hurt him not,

So thy sprain will not hurt thee."

(I realize that last line seems like it should rhyme, but it doesn't, so there you go)

For Bruises and Pain

Hold hands over or on affected area:

"Bruise, thou shalt not heat;

Bruise, thou shalt not sweat;

Bruise, thou shalt not run,

No more than the Virgin Mary shall bring forth another son."

For more techniques, see the Healing Charms page!