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.
Easy Homemade Candles
There is so much satisfaction in crafting your own things, like home remedies or candles — here is the quick and easy way to make lovely beeswax candles.
Family History
I've been piecing together my family history for over twenty years and am very proud of what I've managed to find — including Brauchers in my Pennsylvania German lineage.
Bowling Angels
Tonight, as I type this, we are experiencing a rare but much-anticipated thunder and lightning rain storm — and the angels are bowling.
New Orleans Plantation Vodou
Understanding the difference between Vodou as religion and Hoodoo as magical practice — and what this reveals about folk healing traditions.
Powwow Newspaper Article 1976
A historical newspaper article about Powwow from the Lock Haven Express, November 1976.
The Bayou Treateur
In Louisiana, the very same practices that are kept by traditional Powwowers are also kept alive within the tradition of "treateur" — the Louisiana version of Powwowing.
Appalachian Granny Magic
The following documentary is a fascinating look at the Appalachian "granny" healers and their folk magic traditions.
The Regulars
There is a young couple local to me that comes to me regularly for various Powwowing. They don't make appointments, they don't have a schedule, they just sort of show up whenever they like.
The Three Crosses
Powwow charms are all spoken in the name of the Holy Trinity as found within Christian tradition.
Where is PA Dutch Country?
When the waves of immigration began in the 1600's from the German-speaking lands to the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, a majority of those first brave souls settled in the Philadelphia area.
Are Powwows Psychic?
This is a new question that I was asked today. Are Powwows Psychic?
Making Apple Butter!!!
Apple Butter is a Pennsylvania Dutch table staple! Growing up, my grandmother always had fresh Apple Butter on the table with warm, fresh-baked bread. It…
Powwow article from 1979
A 1979 magazine article on Pennsylvania Powwow doctors, by Forrest Moyer.
The Powwow Guy
My YouTube channel ( along with this website ) is my public face of Powwowing. I've spent countless hours working on videos and instructional information to…
PA Dutch breakfast!
My grandmother liked to have a lot of choices at meal times. Breakfast was always my favorite because there were cereals and hot chocolate and toast and egg…
Preparing for Spring!
I know Spring isn't officially here yet, and it won't be for some time, but it's a good time to start your planning for the end of winter!
Homemade Hamburger Rolls!
Tonight I am making burgers for dinner and so I needed to bake some rolls.
Kitchen First Aid
One of my favorite aspects of Powwow is herbal medicine. I love using herbs and plants to make medicine. There is something extremely fulfilling about…
Adherence to Tradition
When I was a kid, along with my brother and sister, we were practically raised by our grandparents. They were Pennsylvania German through and through. My…
The Full Moon
The February 2023 Full Moon in Leo, and the parts of the body that Leo and Aquarius rule — a short note on reading the signs for healing work.