#braucherei

[tamfana]

Nehalennia

Nehalennia is a Goddess found almost entirely in Zeeland (Netherlands), but she's got a few altars in Cologne, and even the remains of a temple. She's a goddess of the Sea, Travel, Commerce, and possibly another Psychopomp.

The etymology of her name can be interpreted in a few ways. One article I found states that her name may come from the word 'nehal', which means, 'to help.' Some others state that her name would be separated into 'Halen', 'ne', 'ja' meaning 'she who is near the sea.' Both of these interpretations seem pretty apt!

Nehalennia is invoked almost exclusively in all her altars as a "thank you". There are very few instances where she is asked to protect someone before a journey, only ever as a 'Thank you' after the fact. From what we can tell, its quite possible she was invoked during times of crisis, not before.

In her altars, she's seated in an apse (which dispells the idea that she may be an ancestor, as sitting in the apse is reserved for gods alone), with a bowl of apples, grain, or loaves of bread. Sometimes she's pictured with a dog or wolf with her foot on the bough of a ship, which may lead to her position as a psychopomp. The idea of boating into the afterlife comes admittedly from Greek Mythology, but dogs having a connection to the otherworld and magic are consistent in quite a few European Folk Religions. Her dog may also be there to symbolize her protective affinity and loyalty to her people.

It's been suggested that one of her offering meals may also lend to the idea of her being a psychopomp. The duivekater is a bone-shaped loaf of bread served with nutmeg and spices. Then again, this bone could always be in reference to her dog. It originates in North Holland.

Nehalennia is also pretty cool because she's one of the only Goddesses now with a semi-active cult. It is admittedly very small, but there are a few people in the Netherlands today that worship her. In fact, they have a temple in Coljinsplaat!

The history behind this temple is fascinating for a few reasons, in part because the remains of the original temple (which were taken by the ocean) were revealed in a storm when the water washed away some of the dunes.

[solcaladion]

Fraiskette - Folk Magic

Let’s talk more Folk Magic: the Fraiskette

Look at this gorgeous BEAST of a fraiskette she’s so beautiful…..

What is a fraiskette?

Fraiskette are necklaces strewn with amulets and protective charms given to pregnant women and newborn children to ensure a healthy childbirth and early life.

They originate from Germany (specifically Bavaria)

What makes a Fraiskette?

Most fraiskette are made of a red string or red ribbon base

They include various organic charms like teeth, claws, horns, antlers, beaks and even dried animal feet

They also have mineral/rock charms. The one above features jasper, agate and a malachite heart, as well as Donar Stones and fossilized coral and snail shells.

Finally, the include sentimental and religious amulets. The largest pictured above is a Breverl, but also keys, arrows, vials of Walpurgis-oil, small bells and brass depictions of the Mother Mary.

How were they used?

Each of the charms on the fraiskette corresponded to some medicinal or spiritual use.

The eagle talons we’re used to imbue courage to the user

The wolf and deer teeth were used to assist in teething

The Martin feet were used against rheumatism and cramps

The moles feet were used against seizures as well as cramps

The horse hair was used to aid in seizures

Snails shells for protection

The inorganic materials like red stones (amber, jasper, agate) were used specifically against menstrual cramps

Coral was used against blood disease (and is pretty significant as a protection charm in Dutch Magic)

Malachite was used as a stone against rashes and cravings

The fossilized shells are for protection of the bones

The Donar stones are for protection from lightning strikes and seizures

These Necklaces would be put on the Bedpost or worn to Ward away Various Illnesses.

[cursecuelebre]

Just wanted to share a little project I made, a yarn doll of Frau Holle since she is a Goddess that loves fabric arts it’s fitting! Never made a yarn doll before (I used embroidery thread) but I’m glad it turn out really well! 🥰

[the-accidental-urglaawer]

Es Elbedritch

[lailoken]

Hey, uh... Pennsylvania Dutch magical traditions are closed, and anyone who isn't explicitly connected to them through family/initiation should NOT be claiming to be practitioners of Braucherei or any associated Germanic Pow-wow tradition.

You are literally breaking cultural and spiritual taboos by identifying with the Pennsylvania Dutch for any reason other than being directly connected to those traditions.

[elithemiar-blog]

Looking into Braucherei, which is PA Dutch (Pennsylvania german/Switzerland) folk magic, because supposedly ancester was a witch, and during the time of her life, Braucherei was more underground than known.

And I wanted to find, maybe some transcripts of the belief, in consideration that some of my beliefs actually overlap as I am SBNR (Spiritual But Not Religious).

If ya'll want like mysticism, ambient sounds, with a bit of metal, heavy metal, incorporating folk, pagan, and occult themes.

Check out Braucherei. I'm following them now.

[poisonappleprintshop]

I am excited to share that my original artwork ‘Witches’ Night on Hexenkopf Rock’ is featured in the third edition of Ned D. Heindel’s ‘Hexenkopf: History, Healing, & Hexeri’! You can grab a copy for yourself from The Sigal Museum. It is an honor to be included in such a wonderful book that preserves a part of Pennsylvanian history and the history of Pennsylvanian folk magic!

In 2016, I unearthed a rare copy of the first edition of this book (published under a slightly different title in 1974, seen in the third photo) at my grandmother’s house and it is what inspired me to create ‘Witches’ Night on Hexenkopf Rock.’

The rock itself is a stony summit in Williams Township, PA that has long been associated with magic, ritual, and witchcraft. ‘Hexenkopf: History, Healing, and Hexeri’ takes an in-depth view at the history and folklore surrounding Hexenkopf Rock and examines how Braucherei, or PA German folk magic, first developed in the area and contributed to the rock’s legends. Also discussed are stories of Native American magic, witch gatherings, ominous omens, and apparitions that have helped bolster Hexenkopf rock’s mysterious reputation. I highly recommend this book if you are interested in American folk magic and Pennsylvanian lore!

[witxhykaite]

Happy Birthday Nelson Rehmeyer.

In 1928 in my town, a witch doctor was murdered by another local man to remove a hex. He was instructed to take a lock of Rehmeyer’s hair and bury it 6 feet down; along with his book “long lost friend”.

He couldn’t find the book and ended up murdering Mr. Rehmeyer. He then attempted to burn the body and house down. Neither of which worked. Leaving char marks still seen on the wood floor today.

The house is still owned by descendants and kept up with, you can see security cameras around the house today. There’s been reports of seeing Mr. Rehmeyer wandering the property. I feel peace when I go down there. I grew up with the Pennsylvanian Dutch practice of magic, Braucherei; even having a witch doctor in my own bloodline. I have a copy of “the long lost friend”. I don’t think Mr. Rehmeyer would have hexed anyone. He practiced a healing folk magic deep in the Pennsylvania woods. I’d just like to remember him for his practice and not his untimely death.