Braucherei
The Red Church
The Red Church
The Red Church, or The Art of Pennsylvania German Braucherei: The Traditional Blessed Healing Art for the Good of Man and Beast A comprehensive guide to the history, theory and practice of Pow Wow, this book draws upon historical documentation, traditional methods, and a life of personal experience.
Pow Wow, or Braucherei, as it is known by its practitioners, is a system of folk magic that has its roots in Christian and Pre-Christian Germany, but its character is wholy American - the quintessential American magical system. Drawing on quotes from the Bible, qabalistic principles and old grimoires, it is empowered by the Holy Trinity, and most practitioners consider themselves to be Christian, much like the Cunning Folk of England.
"The Red Church: The Art of Pennsylvania German Braucherei is the finest book on German magic to be seen in decades. Comprehensive in its historical, philosophical and cultural roots, The Red Church is a book that will be appreciated by academics and modern practitioners of not just folk and ceremonial magic alike, but also energetic and faith healing, symbolism, and cultural psychology. Extensively researched and documented, no one interested in the survival of Medieval and Renaissance magic into the modern era should be without a copy of it within easy reach."
- Mark Stavish, Director of Studies, Institute for Hermetic Studies, author of, The Path of Alchemy, Freemasonry - Rituals, Symbols and History of the Secret Society, and Between the Gates: Lucid Dreaming, Astral Projection and the Body of Light.
Review
Every so often, amid the glut of rehashed popular culture that too often passes for originality in the occult field, something genuinely different and worthwhile comes along. Christopher Bilardi's 'The Red Church' is a fine example. At a time when the word "tradition" has become little more than a synonym for "brand name," Bilardi has pursued the study of an authentic occult tradition -- braucherei, the Pennsylvania Dutch system of magical curing -- and crafted a solidly researched, readable guide to this fascinating amalgam of archaic Germanic lore, Rosicrucian symbolism, and Christian folk magic.
Contemporary occultists, students of alternative healing methods, and readers interested in a colorful field of American folk culture will all want to make room on their shelves for 'The Red Church'.
John Michael Greer author of "The New Encyclopedia of the Occult" and "The Druidry Handbook" --John Michael Greer