Before medicine was completed in hospitals and offices, it was often handled at home. Author and healer Brandon Weston takes readers on a trip through Ozark folk magic and the history. So much of the traditional hill folk magic is either passed along by verbal tradition or casually discussed in histories that are older than most people still alive. Weston takes a respectful look at the healing techniques, terms, charms, and magical ailments that sometimes continue to return in the Ozarks. The book highlights how the traditions blended into strict belief in Christianity, and even other belief structures in the area.
Weston, a practicing healer, does an incredible job of explaining how some modern practices tie into the tried and true older traditions. He focuses on the medicinal use of healing plants, clarifying what is no longer used (especially when dangerous), and provides practical advise for those who practice, are curious, or are just looking for a historical look at a rarely focused on regional belief system.
Ozark Folk Magic is available January 2021 from Llewellyn Publishing.
