Of Mountain Witches and Yarb Doctorin’: Southern Appalachian Folk Magic

Appalachian folk magic is currently experiencing a revival of interest,  partially from the persistent pursuit of authenticity within magical  spaces and also from a longing to reconnect with ancestral magical  practice. However, due to both the large geographic area and the  isolation of mountain communities, there is a wide variance of practice  within the region. Join two Appalachian folk magicians as we discuss our  particular perspective and experiences with the magic and folklore of  our home. We will present an overview of the characteristics and  concerns of Appalachian folk magic and contrast it with systems for  which it is often confused. Additionally, we will discuss folklore and  practices of healing, divining, and day-to-day living, with a dip into  haints, hags, and the spookier side of things. Throughout, we will  examine the folklore and usage of several of the most important herbs  and roots used for magic and medicine by Southern…