As in most traditions of magic, there are pro-social and
anti-social uses of esoteric knowledge. This division is commonly referred to
as black and white magic. However, the line between them isn’t so… well, black
and white. In the context of PA Dutch folk magic these two forms are called braucherei and hexerei.
Braucherei
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| Sator square |
Originating in Pennsylvania German communities, braucherei
or powwowing combines European folk magic with Christian prayers & Catholic
inspired charms and is primarily used for healing and protection. In other
words magic is used in a defensive manner to ward off natural or supernatural
harm. Pow-wow practitioners do not think of themselves as witches. For some PA
Dutch communities there is no conflict between their Christian faith and the use
of traditional folk magic. Some denominations strictly forbid folk magic in any
form. It is often said that brauchers derive their gifts from the God of
Abraham. The most well-known collection of powwow charms, inscriptions, home
remedies is Pow-wows; Or, Long LostFriend by John George Hohman. One famous locus of powwowing activity was Hexenkopf (Witch's Head) Rock in Easton, PA.
Hexerei
The self-serving, evil, criminal and anti-social use of
magical knowledge is called hexerei or sorcery. The German word for “witch” is hex. Also sometimes called hex doctors
(although not all hex doctors use their powers for evil), these practitioners
are often accused of having sold their souls to the Devil. There are three ways
someone becomes a witch:
- Boil a black cat or toad alive. Toss the bones into a stream or creek. One bone will float against the current. This will become the witch's source of power.
- Draw a circle on the ground with coal. Step into the circle holding out your hand. The Devil will appear.
- Stand next to a manure pile while swinging a hook into the air. The person must deny Christ and promise themselves to the Devil.
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| Engraving from Sixth & Seventh Books of Moses |
The Sixth &Seventh Books of Moses is a volume associated with hexerei. It is alleged
the book is the work of Moses and contains spells used to control, contain and
summon demons, plagues and more. An older and less common grimoire text is Egyptian Secrets of Albertus Magnus.
Albertus Magnus was a German Catholic Saint and has been falsely called an
alchemist and magician. There is little evidence connecting him to alchemical
practice or the writing of Egyptian
Secrets.
