#Germanic Witchcraft

[whatpennymade]

✂️📝💌

[temple-of-mars]

What is Hexerei?

♦️⭐🔷 There's a lot of incorrect rumors, superstition, and all around unnecessary fear-mongering concerning Hexerei, a Pennsylvania Dutch and Germanic form of witchcraft. I myself, and my family are Pennsylvania Dutch. We grew up with the culture, the community, the beliefs, the spirits, and the magic. There is a lot of superstition both inside and outside of the PA Dutch community about witches and their practices.

For many years, rumors swirled around about witches sickening animals, ritually sacrificing animals, witches hurling deadly curses at everyone in their path, and other ridiculous notions. Bad things happened in these earlier times, especially before the age of technology, medicine, and scientific advancements. Rather than trying to understand it, and lacking adequate information, people of course looked for a scapegoat to blame. Almost everything was assumed to be witchcraft rather than unfortunate events and lack of available knowledge and technology to help. Scapegoats were usually older, single or widowed women and sometimes men who were more introverted and kept to themselves.

The men and women who practiced Hexerei were generally quiet about their practices years ago. They carried with them the powerful, older Heideglaawe (heathen beliefs) and spiritual beliefs when they immigrated to Pennsylvania and other areas of the United States. They were referred to as heathens. Most didn't target animals for harm. Most didn't curse people unless they needed to and had no other options. They were simply families of remaining pagans and non-religious spiritualists who kept their beliefs a secret to reduce the risk of community mobbing and retaliation. Hexerei Practitioners ranged from White Arts, to Grey arts, to Dark Arts, and rarely, Black arts, though it was wrongly assumed that Hexerei is a strictly Black arts type of Magic. This was due to others occasionally finding the sixth and seventh books of Moses in deceased relatives' belongings (The Sixth and Seventh Books of Moses have NOTHING to do with true Hexerei! This is another common misconception, this is different type of magic)

♦️⭐🔷 WHAT IS HEXEREI? ♦️⭐🔷

♦️⭐🔷 Pennsylvania Dutch Hexerei is a form of old, powerful rural witchcraft that encompasses working with both light and dark magic, utilizing your own energy, as well as natural energy sources. Hexes (German and Pennsylvania Dutch witches) work with nature, weather, planets, sun, moon, stars, herbs, roots, stones, oils, powders, magic staffs, trees, written words, spoken words, painted symbols, hex signs, barn stars, wooden effigies, metals, hex bags, coins, and farm tools. Dream and astral work, a practice to be mastered known as Draamerei (Dreamcraft, or continued practice of dreaming and astral projecting), is important to them. Hexes frequently work with various spirits, such as elemental spirits, house spirits, and field spirits, with tree spirits often coming forward as helpful guides. Star People were occasionally mentioned in old stories and beliefs, sometimes being tied to certain, rare hex signs featuring specific stars, colors, and patterns, and were thought to bring messages. Hexes have their own belief system (Hexeglaawe) and unique practices. Hexes believe in taking care of and working with nature, plants, trees, spirits, and animals, treating them with respect. Independence, awareness, effort, cunning, strength of character are encouraged. This is mainly due to living in isolation on vast areas of farm land near remote wilderness, they're in tune with nature. Historically, magic, spirits, and entities were all around Pennsylvania and Germany. We had written words and letters that were rich in magical knowledge and wisdom, we had interesting supernatural stories and legends, and we were surrounded by many, many different types of spirits everywhere, as they were part of daily life!♦️⭐🔷

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BRAUCHEREI PRACTITIONERS, HEXENMEISTERS, AND HEXEREI PRACTITIONERS?

Braucherei practitioners were Christians who practiced a type of Christian witchcraft utilizing verses from the Bible, as well as their own spells, usually for spiritual aura healing and cleansing. They were White magic practitioners who genuinely tried to help people and the community.

Hexenmeisters were Christians who practiced Christian witchcraft utilizing verses from the Bible, as well as their own spells and methods. Some were White magic practitioners, though they were generally Grey magic practitioners, and sometimes even Dark Magic practitioners. They utilized dark magic to fight against those who've they suspected of sending bad luck, illnesses, droughts, curses, etc. The State of Pennsylvania once used to issue Hexenmeister licences decades ago to those who practiced and wanted a more formal certificate to verify their abilities. Many genuinely helped people with a variety of issues, though there were some Hexenmeisters who had used their magic to commit spiritual wrongdoing.

Heide: The Heide is a Pennsylvania Dutch and German term for Heathens, also known as pagans. Heideglaawe translates to Heathen beliefs. There were many Heathens who practiced their religion in Pennsylvania, and some areas were even named after them as they were known to gather in these sacred places.

Hexerei Practitioners: Germanic Pagans and non-religious spiritualists who practiced a unique form of witchcraft utilizing old Germanic Pagan charms and spells from old spiritual writings and spoken traditions, as well as other nature-based spells and traditions they've created. Hexes (Germanic and Pennsylvania Dutch Witches) ranged from White magic and Grey magic practitioners (most common), to Dark magic, and on occasion, Black magic practitioners. Dark and Black magic were used to obtain spiritual justice and spiritual vengeance when other options didn't work or simply weren't available. Many Hexes were genuinely interested in helping people, as well as honoring spirits, animals, and the land. They were often the target for misunderstanding since pagan religions were especially vilified during this time, often due to lack of information.

Supernatural beliefs were common and well-accepted, especially in Pennsylvania, until stories of "witch hysteria" spread throughout the country's newspapers, which attached a negative stigma to Brauchers, Hexenmeisters, Heathens, and Hexerei Practitioners. Because of this, many beliefs and practices were kept top secret for fear of career ruin, harassment, threats, and social ostracization. Hexenmeister licenses were revoked, beliefs were mocked, and there were many attempts by the government at the time to eliminate occult practices altogether. Some family traditions and beliefs were lost, and the use of Pennsylvania Dutch language dwindled, as grandparents and parents decided against teaching children and apprentices for worry of systemic retaliation. Today, many of our beliefs, traditions, culture, writings are being rediscovered by those same descendants, as new interest and curiosity in those same practices emerges once again.

Be sure to follow our blog and our shops. We currently don't teach Hexerei or any other magic due to our schedule, however, if you have interest in Pennsylvania Dutch and German traditions, beliefs, and information, you may read our product listings and our blog. We have many products that relate to Pennsylvania Dutch and Germanic Hexerei. Our listings are informative and many include historical information. We don't pressure anyone to purchase anything that they don't want or need. Thank you for reading, and many blessings! ♦️⭐🔷

[bowldrips]

The Goddess Freyja cursing someone out, call that seiðing with rage~✨️

[the-evil-clergyman]

Walpurgis, from Jugend Magazine by Adolf Münzer (1909)

[diana-andraste]

Prolapse of the Iris, Georg Bartisch, c. 1583, from Ophthalmodouleia: Das ist, Augendienst

"Despite his scientific calling, Bartisch was a superstitious man, believing that astrology, magic, and witchcraft played a significant part in the causes of disease..."

via Public Domain Review

[cursecuelebre]

Anglo Saxon Nine Herb Charm

Ancient charm that is rooted in Germanic paganism and witchcraft, it’s very helpful for those interested in herbalism, Folk magic, Germanic folk magic and paganism, or just simple herbal magic. It's said that it was taught by Woden or Odin (Norse) who is the god of healing. It’s in the form of a poem, a form of Galdor which is basically is incantation when reciting this poem you’re evoking these herbs. By how the poem is written the plants are spoken like another person or living thing with a conscious mind. It’s one of good sources of wortcunning or medicinal knowledge of herbs. The blog can be helpful for those who wishes to bond with these herbs this poem can really bring good insight.

Some points to take note in this poem, most of these herbs are to be used in a healing context against poison. The Saxons believed that diseases were caused by corruption of evil spirits, elf-shot, most commonly in form of “Worms” not worms we see today in the soil but more like dragons or serpents. “Nesso” is the Anglo Saxon term and Wyrm is High German where Worm derives from which means dragon. That to cast the “worms” out is essentially getting rid of the poison. When you find yourself reading Anglo Saxon charms with “Worm” that is what is being refer to. The number 9 is very sacred in Germanic paganism and witchcraft, also the use of christian elements is suppose to be there. In medieveal context of folk magic in general a common concept is to mix pagan deities with Christianity Woden and Christ is not uncommon in German folk magic to be seen together. The green is the herbs mentioned and after the poem I'll put what some of the herbs are in modern day in english. I should also note there is multiple translations but this version is what I'm most familiar with.

Traditionally to perform the ritual a witches would chant over the herbs and applied to the patient’s body then the witch would blow into the targets ear and mouth to get rid of the evil/harmful spirit.

Remember, mugwort, what you made known, What you arranged at the Great proclamation. You were called Una, the oldest of herbs, you have power against three and against thirty, you have power against poison and against infection, you have power against the loathsome foe roving through the land.

And you, Waybread, mother of herbs, Open from the east, mighty inside. over you chariots creaked, over you queens rode, over you brides cried out, over you bulls snorted. You withstood all of them, you dashed against them. May you likewise withstand poison and infection and the loathsome foe roving through the land.

'Stune' is the name of this herb, it grew on a stone, it stands up against poison, it dashes against poison *Nettle it is called, it attacks against poison, it drives out the hostile one, it casts out poison. This is the herb that fought against the serpent, it has power against poison, it has power against infection, it has power against the loathsome foe roving through the land. Put to flight now, attorlaðe (poison hater), the greater poisons, though you are the lesser, until he is cured of both.

Remember, Chamomile, what you made known, what you accomplished at Alorford, that never a man should lose his life from infection after Chamomile was prepared for his food.

This is the herb that is called Stinging Nettle. A seal sent it across the sea-right, a vexation to poison, a help to others. it stands against pain, it dashes against poison,

A worm came crawling, it killed nothing. For Woden took nine glory-twigs, he smote the the adder that it flew apart into nine parts. There the apple accomplished it against poison that she [the loathsome serpent] would never dwell in the house.

Chervil and fennel, two of much might, They were created by the wise Lord, holy in heaven as He hung. He set and sent them to the seven worlds, to the wretched and the fortunate, as a help to all. It stands against pain, it fights against poison, it avails against 3 and against 30, against foe´s hand and against noble scheming, against enchantment of vile creatures.

Now there nine herbs have power against nine evil spirits, against nine poisons and against nine infections: Against the red poison, against the foul poison, against the white poison, against the pale blue poison, against the yellow poison, against the green poison, against the black poison, against the blue poison, against the brown poison, against the crimson poison, against worm-blister, against water-blister, against thorn-blister, against thistle-blister, against ice-blister, against poison-blister,

If any poison comes flying from the east, or any from the north, [or any from the south,] or any from the west among the people. Christ stood over diseases of every kind.

I alone know a running stream, and the nine adders beware of it. May all the weeds spring up from their roots, the seas slip apart, all salt water, when I blow this poison from you

mucgwyrt - Mugwort

wegbrāde - Waybread - Plantain

Stune - Lamb Cress

Stiðe - Nettle

mægðe - Chamomile

wergulu - Stinging Nettle

æppel - Crab Apple

fille - Chervil

finule - Fennel

*Stiðe most likely means nettle as a type of plants that is used very broadly, whilst stinging nettle refers to the actual plant such as the leaves, stems, etc. Nettle can also mean the roots. Some translations have attorlaðe instead of Stiðe, but in my opinion it's talking about how nettle is perceived here attorlaðe means 'poison hater' link to Fumitory. Perhaps Fumitory to the Saxons was related to Nettle I'm not sure just a theory of mine. Most likely than not the fourth herb in the charm is Nettle in the board sense of the family of plants. Unless someone can give me a more insight on the translation, I be more than happy to be corrected.

I really hope this helps people and it may inspire others on the path and learning of Anglo Saxon culture and Traditions. :)

[lionofchaeronea]

Title: The Witches' Sabbath Artist: Hans Baldung (German, 1484/5-1545) Date: 1510 Genre: genre art Period: Northern Renaissance Medium: chiaroscuro woodcut Location: Metropolitan Museum of Art

[bekkathyst]

The Glöcklerlauf is a tradition practiced in the Salzkammergut region of Austria with pre-Christian roots. This parade of Glöckler (“bell-ringers”) who carry bells and large, lit-up caps marks the end of the Rauhnächte, the darkest and most dangerous time of the year. This parade of art and light chases out the evil winter spirits and ushers in a new season of good and light.

In my town, these Glöckler run 8 kilometers through our neighborhoods, and the caps they carry weigh around 14 kilos. The run takes about 3 hours to complete. The caps represent local landmarks, stories, and even biblical scenes. They’re handmade and passed down for many years.

Food, drinks, and donations are given to the Glöckler to thank them for protecting our villages by ushering in light. This is my second favorite winter tradition here! It’s much more gorgeous in person.

[sictransitgloriamvndi]

[grymrot]

Animal materials and their correspondences

Antlers :

Strength, endurance, masculine energy, (it can symbolise the horned god), protection, strong connection nature and the earth element, deflecting hexes/baneful energy, hope

Horns :

Wealth, the home, determination, aggressive protection, connection to that which is man made, cursing/hexing

Wings :

Adventure, deviating from the norm, sending/receiving messages, travel, starting a new adventure/path, hope, luck, wishes, comfort, (the type of bird would also affect the correspondences)

Chicken feet :

Wisdom, work, loyalty, connection to one’s property/land, safe keeping of the home, the fire element, (other bird feet can be used as well but may have slightly different correspondences)

Fur/feathers :

Creativity, warmth, connection to the air element, shielding from negative energy, protection, invisibility/hiding, warding (again, the type of animal affects the correspondences)

[greenwitchcrafts]

Chamomile

Matricaria chamomilla (shown) | Chameamelum nobile

Known as: Chamaimelon, earth apple, German chamomile, ground apple, heermannchen chamaimelon, maythen, manzanilla, Roman chamomile, scented mayweed, whig plant & wild chamomile

Related plants: There are two species of chamomile, both are in the Asteraceae family (Roman chamomile & German chamomile) with plants that consists of over 32,000 known species of flowering plants in over 1,900 genera within the order Asterales. They are commonly referred to as the aster, daisy, composite or sunflower family. I am from this point forward referring to Matricaria chamomilla in this post specifically.

Parts used: whole flower & leaves

Habitat & cultivation: This flowering plant is native to South-West Asia, Eastern & Southern Europe but can be found on almost  continents nowadays. The wild-growing chamomile species normally grow on sandy to loamy soils that are mostly acidic and should be open.

Plant type: Annual

Region: 5-9

Harvest: Can be harvested as soon as blooms have established which is about 10 weeks.

Growing tips: The roots of chamomile are shallow and just barely grip onto the top soil which makes it more sensitive to water conditions during the initial stages of growth when the plant is establishing itself. However once it's established, it is drought tolerant & need about an inch of water a week. Wait until after the last spring frost to add chamomile to your garden. It grows well in raised beds, containers, and in-ground gardens. Space chamomile plants 8 inches apart in full sun for best flowering. In hot climates, an area with partial afternoon shade is ideal.

Medicinal information: Chamomile has been used as a traditional medicine for thousands of years. A mouth rinse with chamomile might relieve mouth sores caused by cancer treatments. Some research suggests that chamomile could help with other conditions, like diarrhea in children, hemorrhoids, anxiety, and insomnia. When used on the skin, chamomile might help with skin irritation and wound healing. Some research has documented that it may be as effective as hydrocortisone cream for eczema.

Cautions: Most experts say chamomile is safe. It can cause drowsiness and, in large doses, vomiting. It also has the potential to trigger allergic reactions in people who are allergic to related plants in the daisy family, although such reactions are very rare. Given the lack of evidence about its long-term safety, chamomile is not recommended for people who are pregnant or chestfeeding.

Magickal properties

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Sun

Element: Fire

Deities: Cernunnos, Karnaya, Mercury, Oshun, St.Anne & Sun gods

Magical uses:

• Burn as an incense to aid in sleep and meditation

• Plant around your house to ward against psychic or magickal attacks

• Wash your hands with chamomile before gambling to ensure good luck

• Use in an infusion to wash your thresholds to stop unwanted energies from passing through

• Place the flowers in your wallet to attract money

• Keep in a satchet to protect against physical or magickal danger

• Add to a dream pillow with lavender to ensure peaceful sleep

• Anoint a green candle with crushed chamomile for a simple money spell

• Steep in hot water, then sprinkle around yourself as a metaphysical barrier

• Add to spells to increase the chances of success

• Use in ritual baths with catnip and rose to attract a lover

• To alleviate overwhelming emotions, you can hold dry chamomile in your hands as you recite affirmations or prayers to ease the heart

[whatilikedoninstagram]

instagram.com/alienxbaby 2021/08/06

[pursuingdragons]

Blessed Yule, and Happy Solstice!

🌲❄️❤️

How did you all spend your solstice? I spent mine at a friends having a feast and we burned a stick Yule goat. They gave me some homemade graham crackers, tomato jam, and onion jam. :)

[im-a-dream-wizard]

My Personal Guide to Works pertaining to German, Bavarian, and Alpine Folk Magick

This is not an exhaustive list, just a list of sources that inform my practice. Readers will benefit from being able to read German (and sometimes Bavarian/Boarisch German).

Not all works are specific/exclusive to these folk practices and may include other traditions in addition.

I will be updating this list as I recall or find works to add to it. It is not alphabetized or organized in any specific way. If you’d like to recommend a title for this list, let me know!

Additionally, I cannot speak or vouch for any of the views or opinions of the authors. Some of these sources are certainly outdated and could potentially contain content that is offensive or bigoted, which is not something I endorse. Finally, there are some sources that are of debatable historical accuracy, so take them with a grain of salt.

Books

Pow-Wows or Long Lost Friend, John George Hohman

The Secret History of Christmas Baking by Linda Raedisch

The Old Magic of Christmas by Linda Raedisch

Night of the Witches by Linda Raedisch (a great resource for Walpurgisnacht)

Mountain Magic: Celtic Shamanism in the Austrian Alps by Christian Brunner

Alpine Magic by Christian Brunner

Pagan Christmas by Christian Rätsch and Claudia Müller-Ebeling

Göttin Holle by Gunivortus Goos (also available in English)

Hausgeister! by Janin Pisarek, Florian Schäfer, and Hannah Gritsch

Queens of the Wild by Ronald Hutton

Witchcraft and the Shamanic Journey Kenneth Johnson

Niederbayerische Sagen by Michael Waltinger

Witchcraft Medicine by Wolf-Dieter Storl, Christian Rätsch, Claudia Müller-Ebeling (available in both English and German)

Der Heilige Hain by Christian Rätsch

Von Sonnwend bis Rauhnacht by Valentin Kirschgruber

Witches and Pagans: Women in European Folk Religion, 700-1100 by Max Dashu

Spirit Beings in European Folklore 2 by Benjamin Adamah (I encourage you to read their sources as well, it’s important to find primary sources)

Deutsche Mythologie by Jacob Grimm (English as “Teutonic Mythology”) Please take Jacob Grimm with a grain of salt.

Handwörterbuch des deutschen Aberglaubens (There’s a lot of caveats to this, as it is highly outdated, but it is still a handy resource for reference. HOWEVER, good luck finding it. You might find some volumes available online but there are very few complete reprints of this encyclopedia, at least that are affordable.)

Tiefe Wälder, dunkle Legenden by Josef Probst

Malleus Maleficarum by Heinrich Kramer (This is basically a 15th century manual to “witch hunting” and contains bigotry and and a lot of factual inaccuracies. However, it has some content that can provide some insight into folk magic and superstition of the time. It is very violent and explains the torture process of those accused of witchcraft, so be warned)

Journals and Scholarly Articles

Holda: Between Folklore and Linguistics by Thomas Leek

Perchten and Krampusse: Living Mask Traditions in Austria and Bavaria by Molly Carter

Divination: Mother Holle as Goddess of Seerdom by Ullrich R. Kleinhempel

Percht und Krampus Felix and Ulrich Müller

The Distribution of The Legends of Frau Holle, Frau Percht, and Related Figures by Erika Timm

Perchta the Belly-Slitter and Her Kin: A View of Some Traditional Threatening Figures, Threats and Punishments by John B. Smith

Holle's Cry: Unearthing a Birth Goddess in a German Jewish Naming Ceremony by Jill Hammer

Content Creators

Ella Harrison

The Witches’ Cookery

De Spökenkyker: A great resource for Silesian-German folk practice!

[ceteradesunt]

Mark of the Devil (1970) dir. Adrian Hoven & Michael Armstrong

[bowldrips]

I think I could have a future in Heathen prayer candle design XD