Magic in America

In the recent episode of Poe's Magic, host Vine guides listeners through the rich spiritual heritage and tradition of folk magic known as Granny Witchcraft, which is native to the Appalachian region and stretches from West Virginia to Mississippi. Vine introduces to the audience Nikki Chester, an Appalachian native who carries forward her family's history of folk magic and provides some insights into her daily practices. The podcast also delves into the dynamic history of Granny Witchcraft, starting from the indigenous Cherokee and Choctaw peoples blending their spiritual practices with those of German and European settlers to modern-day enthusiasts sharing their knowledge through social media. It underscores the robustness and continuity of this ancestral practice, its intertwining with Christian beliefs, and the shared efforts to preserve and reclaim the cultural heritage of Appalachia. This podcast episode used the article Appalachian Folk Magic: Generations of “Granny Witchcraft” and Spiritual Work by Emma Cieslik. Please support Emma and FolkLife here: https://folklife.si.edu/magazine/appalachian-folk-magic