Wilkom to the Braucherei Website! 

Braucherei (Pow-Wow) is a Pennsylvania Dutch German Magickal System based on a blend of High German Magick(1), Country Philosophy, Pre-Christian Pagan practices, Gypsy influence, a good dose of Biblical references, and Native American herbal cures for the ailments of human and beast, the seen and unseen, medicinal and otherwise.  Braucherei is a unique System that relies on one's belief, intent and the manipulation of energy by means of what we now understand to be the quantum physics of the mind.

This site is dedicated to the research and application of Braucherei (Pow-Wow) as well as art forms such as Fraktur and Hexology. 

 

(1) -- Note:  Pennsylvania Germans, often called "Pennsylvania "Dutch" were German-speaking immigrants who came to America before 1800 (although there were later waves).  The earliest immigrants were from southern parts of Germany or came from German-speaking areas in France (Alsace) or Switzerland, which is why you will find some references to Swiss-German, particularly in art forms.  Others came from German-speaking European pockets, such as the Schwenkfelders from Silesia, most of which is now Poland.  Moravians came from Moravia, a province of the Czech Republic.  Pietists and Separatists arrived from other areas of Europe.  Most German-speaking immigrants were Protestant, with about 80 percent Lutheran and Reformed.  The remaining consisted of Catholic or Sectarian (Mennonite, Amish, Brethern which are the Dunkers), Schwenkfelders and Mennonites.  Later influx of German immigrants came from the northern areas of Germany.  This mix of language-sharing humanity can account for various historical arguments on symbolism, practice, and superstition related to a number of Pennsylvania German related topics, including Braucherei, Pow-Wow, Fraktur and Hexology. Due to these immigrants and others, America began with a high number of literate citizens, meaning those who could read and write in their own language, thus the use of the High German reference in the opening definition.  -- Resource for this entry as to the origins of the Pennsylvania Dutch and their religious choices:  Earnest Russel and Corinne, "To the Latest Posterity -- Pennsylvania-German Family Registers in the Fraktur Tradition".  University Park, PA:  Penn State University Press, 2004 -- page xviii.