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Pine Forest Braucherei
Gretchen Swank
Dec 25, 20223 min read
The Christmas Gift
Last year, I gifted my parents our family tree for Christmas. I spent a few months pouring myself over, and into, the project which...
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Gretchen Swank
Dec 24, 20222 min read
Where did the Christmas Tree Take Root?
The Christmas Tree tradition as we now know it began in 16th century (the region what is now) Germany when Christians brought decorated...
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Gretchen Swank
Dec 17, 20221 min read
Winter Dry Skin Remedy
'Tis the season for dry skin. My son suffers terribly from itchy, moisture-deprived skin every winter. My Lemon Balm Oil remedy works...
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Gretchen Swank
Dec 15, 20223 min read
The Path of a Healer: Solitude, Nature, Ancestors, and Grace
I was feeling accumulated stress tonight, too much outward focus on life happening around me and not tending to the effects of that...
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Gretchen Swank
Dec 15, 20222 min read
The Christmas Spider
The history of spiders at Christmas is a lesser-known folk tale attributed to various European countries, but most often Germany and...
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Gretchen Swank
Dec 12, 20225 min read
The Art of Braucherei for Alcoholism
The most common inquiry I receive from fellow Brauchers is for referral to charms related to Alcoholism. While our central grimoires are...
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Gretchen Swank
Dec 9, 20221 min read
The Waning Gibbous Moon Rising
Nature is fundamental to the practice of Braucherei, and Astrology plays a significant role in the lifestyle of a traditional...
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Gretchen Swank
Dec 6, 20221 min read
Anti-Inflammatory Soup
As we enter the Winter cycle, a time of going within, hibernation, self-reflection, and healing, everything slows down, including our...
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Gretchen Swank
Dec 5, 20222 min read
Saint Nicholas Eve Feast
Today, December 5th, 2022, is the eve of Saint Nicholas Day. My family and I celebrated with a big dinner and the movie "Krampus." My...
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Gretchen Swank
Dec 4, 20221 min read
Happy Saint Nicholas Day!
Tomorrow is the day of Krampus and the eve of Saint Nicholas! This is a wonderful holiday that is celebrated throughout Pennsylvania...
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Gretchen Swank
Nov 27, 20221 min read
Turkey Vegetable Soup with Homemade Noodles
Today was the day I had to do something with the leftover turkey from Thanksgiving. So, I tapped into my creativity, opened my cabinets,...
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Gretchen Swank
Nov 25, 20222 min read
"Harvest Home" - an early Pennsylvania Dutch tradition
The tradition of Thanksgiving took root in the 1600's in the New England colonies, and eventually became a National Holiday in 1863 when...
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Gretchen Swank
Nov 22, 20222 min read
Close to God
Pennsylvania Dutch Powwow, or Braucherei, is a simple, traditional folk healing art that incorporates Christian-based charms with prayer...
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Gretchen Swank
Nov 20, 20221 min read
Positive Press on Powwow
I am truly blessed to have had the experience last week of connecting with the folks who came out to the Lititz Library to listen to Rob...
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Gretchen Swank
Nov 19, 20222 min read
The Power of Nature
 This morning, my dog, Bodhi, and I headed out for an early morning hike. The air was a cold twenty-eight degrees, and the wet November...
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Gretchen Swank
Nov 17, 20222 min read
Indoor Garden
Among the many charms Pennsylvania has to offer, four distinct seasons is perhaps the most alluring of her offerings. The balance of...
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Gretchen Swank
Nov 15, 20222 min read
"... A Sailor's Warning."
This morning, I woke to the most beautiful sunrise over my husband's family barn, built circa 1800. My son asked, "why is the sky so...
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Gretchen Swank
Nov 14, 20222 min read
Pennsylvania Dutch vs. Pennsylvania German Ancestry
"Pennsylvania Dutch" and "Pennsylvania German" are often used interchangeably to describe the German-speaking immigrants who arrived in...
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Gretchen Swank
Nov 11, 20221 min read
Workshop on Pennsylvania Dutch Divination and Book Signing
Join me Saturday, December 3rd at Metaphysics, A Spirited Space, located at 5 E. 3rd Street, Lewistown PA 17044 for a workshop on...
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