"Sophisticated visitors sometimes regard the 'hillbilly' as a simple child of nature, whose inmost thoughts and motivations may be read at a glance. Nothing could be farther from the truth."
- Vance Randolph, Ozark Magic and Folklore
Upcoming Events
August 15, 2020
Date: Saturday Saturday August 15, 2pm-4pm
Location: Virtual
Price: $15
Ozark folklore tells of many monsters and spirits that lurk in the shadowy hills, hollers, and houses across the mountains. Join us for an introduction to the folklore record collected by Vance Randolph, Mary Parler, and others, as well as stories still told today. We will also look at the many ways healers and folk magicians have appeased and at times banished these mysterious forces as well as suggestions for keeping the spirits of your own home and land happy.
NOTE: This is a virtual event. Zoom meeting links will be sent the day before the class.
Location: Virtual
Price: $15
Ozark folklore tells of many monsters and spirits that lurk in the shadowy hills, hollers, and houses across the mountains. Join us for an introduction to the folklore record collected by Vance Randolph, Mary Parler, and others, as well as stories still told today. We will also look at the many ways healers and folk magicians have appeased and at times banished these mysterious forces as well as suggestions for keeping the spirits of your own home and land happy.
NOTE: This is a virtual event. Zoom meeting links will be sent the day before the class.
September 12, 2020
Date: Saturday September 12, 2020
Time: 2-4pm (CDT)
Location: Virtual Event
The world of the everyday hillfolk in the “old Ozarks” was filled with constant danger. From the ever-present threat of severe illness or injury, to the notion that a witch’s curse could be just around the corner. While we live in a much safer society today, we still have need for many of the same rites of protection that the Ozark hillfolk once might have treasured.
In this workshop, we will look at the nature of protective acts, amulets, and talismans in Ozark folk magic. These works range from carrying a buckeye nut to protect against rheumatism, to creating a “briar charm” meant to tangle up evil before it enters through your front door.
NOTE: This is a virtual event, Zoom links will be emailed the day before the class.
Time: 2-4pm (CDT)
Location: Virtual Event
The world of the everyday hillfolk in the “old Ozarks” was filled with constant danger. From the ever-present threat of severe illness or injury, to the notion that a witch’s curse could be just around the corner. While we live in a much safer society today, we still have need for many of the same rites of protection that the Ozark hillfolk once might have treasured.
In this workshop, we will look at the nature of protective acts, amulets, and talismans in Ozark folk magic. These works range from carrying a buckeye nut to protect against rheumatism, to creating a “briar charm” meant to tangle up evil before it enters through your front door.
NOTE: This is a virtual event, Zoom links will be emailed the day before the class.
October 10, 2020
Date: Saturday October 10, 2020
Time: 2-4pm (CDT)
Location: Virtual Event
Tobacco has been a part of the cultural framework of hillfolk for centuries. The medicinal and magical benefits of the plant would have been learned from interactions with the indigenous peoples of the Appalachian Mountain region, namely the Cherokee, Muskogee, Yuchi, and Koasati. In this talk, we will look at the benefits of tobacco beyond what we have been taught by the media and through anti-smoking campaigns. We’ll look at two varieties specifically: Nicotiana tabacum and it’s much older sibling, Nicotiana rustica. Once a sacred medicine, tobacco has been abused and mistreated across the modern world. Through mutual understanding and respect, we can join the fight to elevate this wondrous plant back to its original status as healer.
NOTE: This is a virtual event, Zoom links will be emailed the day before the class.
Time: 2-4pm (CDT)
Location: Virtual Event
Tobacco has been a part of the cultural framework of hillfolk for centuries. The medicinal and magical benefits of the plant would have been learned from interactions with the indigenous peoples of the Appalachian Mountain region, namely the Cherokee, Muskogee, Yuchi, and Koasati. In this talk, we will look at the benefits of tobacco beyond what we have been taught by the media and through anti-smoking campaigns. We’ll look at two varieties specifically: Nicotiana tabacum and it’s much older sibling, Nicotiana rustica. Once a sacred medicine, tobacco has been abused and mistreated across the modern world. Through mutual understanding and respect, we can join the fight to elevate this wondrous plant back to its original status as healer.
NOTE: This is a virtual event, Zoom links will be emailed the day before the class.
November 14, 2020
Date: Saturday November 14, 2020
Time: 2-4pm (CDT)
Location: Virtual Event
In many systems of traditional healing there are certain illnesses not connected to any physical disease or virus. These illnesses are often said to have a magical cause and therefore must be cured by magical means. In the Ozarks we have our own folk illnesses including being “goomered” or cursed, magical fright, and of course, the ever-dreaded “live things.” These illnesses are almost always treated through the use of prayer and certain accompanying rituals.
In this workshop, we will look at many of the different methods for spiritual cleansing in Ozark folk healing. These methods include such works as using an egg to draw spiritual sickness out of the body, sweeping or brushing evil off the skin with plants and feathers, and cleansing away malign forces through smoke fumigation using certain native plants and minerals.
NOTE: This is a virtual event, Zoom links will be emailed the day before the class.
Time: 2-4pm (CDT)
Location: Virtual Event
In many systems of traditional healing there are certain illnesses not connected to any physical disease or virus. These illnesses are often said to have a magical cause and therefore must be cured by magical means. In the Ozarks we have our own folk illnesses including being “goomered” or cursed, magical fright, and of course, the ever-dreaded “live things.” These illnesses are almost always treated through the use of prayer and certain accompanying rituals.
In this workshop, we will look at many of the different methods for spiritual cleansing in Ozark folk healing. These methods include such works as using an egg to draw spiritual sickness out of the body, sweeping or brushing evil off the skin with plants and feathers, and cleansing away malign forces through smoke fumigation using certain native plants and minerals.
NOTE: This is a virtual event, Zoom links will be emailed the day before the class.
Want to help?
Ozark Healing Traditions relies on the continued support of amazing readers like you to help provide low costs for workshops, plant hikes, and other great opportunities to learn about Ozark folkways.