In my work in progress -- Under the Skin-- there's a scene with a 'witchy woman' back in 1887 healing a burn. I needed information on Appalachian folk medicine and Cavender's book is packed with it.
The book gives the following charm: "There came an angel from the east, bringing fire and frost. In frost, out fire. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost."
I also checked with my friend Byron, a hereditary Appalachian witch, who gave me the charm she uses. Come three angels from the North, take both fire and frost.
I used Byron's shorter version in the scene I wrote. But what I found really interesting was this post from England clearly pointing to a pagan origin for the charm -- before it was 'sanitized' by the invocation of the Trinity. (You'll have to scroll through a bunch of interesting stuff about blackberries before you get to the charm.)
You can find these survivals in every culture -- where an older religion is supplanted by a newer -- but the deities of the old religion are transformed into devils or angels or saints -- there is a St. Brigit, isn't there?
6 comments:
Hey Vicki, I have this book! What page is this on? Have a great day! :)
96 -97, Carol.
Thanks! Also I'm looking over the Choclate Pie recipe(got to get some Rum)does it not have sugar in it besides the brown for pie crust?
That's the way I make it but I prefer things not very sweet. You could add a bit of sugar to the whipping cream if you wanted -- I like it plain to offset the sweetness of everything else.
I see that you are just like Elizabeth, a great cook! I started the second book as I told you already! And I like Elizabeth more and more!! Now I am looking forward to read all the others and pay attention to Under the Skin page 96-97.
Have a great weekend.
Hi, Reader Wil -- Not a great cook, but pretty good!
So glad you are enjoying the books and Elizabeth!
(The pp 96-97 I mentioned to Carol refers to the book on Appalachian Folk Medicine-- where the information on burn charms is located.)
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