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.
The Full Moon
In Pennsylvania Dutch culture, the Full Moon is an important lunar phase for agricultural and weather prediction. It is also a time for Powwow for various…
Easy Bread and Butter Pickles!
Today we made a batch of Bread and Butter Pickles that I know you will love!
Mountain Mary: Saint of Berks County
The legend of Mountain Mary — Anna Marie Young of Berks County, healer and hermit.
History of Magic: Medieval to Early Modern
This is a fantastic lecture by Dr. Tabitha Stanmore. This is the general understanding of magic that I've also pieced together over the years. Prior to the…
To Fumigate Impure Air
Impurity can mean many things when it comes to a space you are occupying. It can mean the air is stale. It can mean there is something toxic in the air. It…
The Man of Signs
As a Powwow, I am very much aware of what sign the Moon is traveling through, as this helps us to know the parts of the body that are highlighted. I mention…
What does Powwow "FEEL" like?
What does it feel like to be Powwowed? Years ago, when I first began learning how to Powwow, I wondered what it would "feel" like to actually BE Powwowed.…
PA Dutch House Blessings
In the Pennsylvania Dutch culture, a House Blessing is a hand-written letter which offers protection to the bearer of the letter. These are sometimes…
Preparing for Spring!
I know it's only mid-January, but here in Southcentral PA we have to begin preparing for Spring!
Folk uses of silver
In the Powwow tradition, items made of silver are generally talismanic or amuletic in origin. For example, nails made of silver (not lead) are believed to…
Anti-witchcraft rituals and charms
Every anti-witchcraft charm from the three grimoires that shaped Powwow — The Long Lost Friend, the Romanusbüchlein, and Egyptian Secrets — collected in one place.
An ancient healing charm
In the early 1700's in Europe, a book was published called Egyptische Geheimnisse für Menschen und Vieh.. This is, of course, the book we now know as…
Anxiety home remedies
The Powwow tradition has little to offer in the way of relieving symptoms of anxiety disorders. However, that does not mean we are without resources! Home…
Winter sickness home remedy
I made a video for my youtube page containing the following recipe, but I was having microphone issues so I wanted to share one of the recipes here!
The Throw Stick
I taught this information with my six-week course last year but decided that I wanted to share it here as it seems to be a lost practice within…
Pain removal ritual
Powwow has a number of methods for relieving pain. What follows is a very simple ritual that you can do for either yourself or another person/animal.…
Verhexed Objects
Objects that carry a hex: how a verhexed thing is recognised, what it does in a household, and how the old sources say to deal with it.
Powwow in the UK
This was written by a student and dear friend of mine, who is a Powwow in the UK.
Hibiscus lemon syrup
Hibiscus flowers have special properties that are believed to help reduce blood pressure and bad cholesterol. As we age, these things are more important for…
Powwowing yourself
I have arthritis in both of my knees and in my hands (and let's not even talk about my back). I'm getting older. Aches and pains and a little rheumatism are…