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Roots, Branches & Spirits: The Folkways & Witchery of Appalachia
Natural Magic and Folkways from Those Who Call the Blue Ridge Mountains Home
The southern Appalachians are rich in folk magic and witchery. This book explores the region's customs and traditions for magical healing, luck, prosperity, scrying, and more. Author H. Byron Ballard--known as the village witch of Asheville--teaches you about the old ways and why they work, from dowsing to communicating with spirits.
Learn the deeper meaning of haint blue doors, magic hands for finding, and medicinal herbs and plants. Discover tips for creating tinctures and salves, attuning to the phases of the moon, interpreting omens, and other folkways passed down through the generations. Part cultural journey and part magical guide, this book uncovers the authentic traditions of one of North America's most spiritually vibrant regions.
The southern Appalachians are rich in folk magic and witchery. This book explores the region's customs and traditions for magical healing, luck, prosperity, scrying, and more. Author H. Byron Ballard--known as the village witch of Asheville--teaches you about the old ways and why they work, from dowsing to communicating with spirits.
Learn the deeper meaning of haint blue doors, magic hands for finding, and medicinal herbs and plants. Discover tips for creating tinctures and salves, attuning to the phases of the moon, interpreting omens, and other folkways passed down through the generations. Part cultural journey and part magical guide, this book uncovers the authentic traditions of one of North America's most spiritually vibrant regions.
201 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2021
169 people are currently reading
870 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
January 10, 2021
I’m of Appalachian stock myself, and also a witch. I grew up in Ohio, one generation away from the hills of Kentucky. My grandparents came to Ohio in the 1950s, and my family regularly returns to our place of origin in Paintsville, where many relatives still live.
Naturally, this title interested me, and it definitely surpassed my expectations. I was drawn in by Ballard’s strongly animist perspective and deeply moving love for Appalachia, the people, and the land. As an animist myself, this approach to the region touched my heart with its poetic beauty.
Ballard expresses a keen awareness of Appalachian history. This is the sort of history I grew up learning from my family. I know about the mines, the company towns, and the opiate epidemic, all of which Ballard mentions herself.
The writing style is sometimes somber, but not overly so. Ballard captures the beauty of the region, the rich and meaningful lives of the inhabitants, while also conveying a deep sadness for the region’s scars, both ecological and social.
Far from the dry lip service you might hear elsewhere, I found Ballard’s awareness of Appalachia’s perilous ecological state moving and poetic.
The practical, magical techniques in this book will resonate for witches who, like me, enjoy working with their hands. Ballard includes descriptions of using everyday materials (such as gravel, candy, and more) in magic.
She presents this in a way that’s as endearing as it is useful. The chapter on correspondences for candy sounds a bit strange at first, but in reading it, her rationale becomes clear. It’s a powerful approach, using daily items for magic.
In particular, I love her inclusion of a powerful binding spell involving just an egg and twine. She even suggests using a cast iron pan as a scrying mirror, which is in equal parts innovative and enchanting to me. Some of her suggestions might be impractical for some folks (not everyone has cast iron, for example), but for many of us, they will fit into our lives perfectly.
I can’t give many criticisms of this book. I suppose it could’ve been better organized, but the meandering words seemed to fit the subject matter.
The author’s tone conveys a deep appreciation for what she’s describing. It’s wholly appropriate, but might not resonate with all readers.
Overall, I give it five out of five stars. It’s a love song to Appalachia!
Naturally, this title interested me, and it definitely surpassed my expectations. I was drawn in by Ballard’s strongly animist perspective and deeply moving love for Appalachia, the people, and the land. As an animist myself, this approach to the region touched my heart with its poetic beauty.
Ballard expresses a keen awareness of Appalachian history. This is the sort of history I grew up learning from my family. I know about the mines, the company towns, and the opiate epidemic, all of which Ballard mentions herself.
The writing style is sometimes somber, but not overly so. Ballard captures the beauty of the region, the rich and meaningful lives of the inhabitants, while also conveying a deep sadness for the region’s scars, both ecological and social.
Far from the dry lip service you might hear elsewhere, I found Ballard’s awareness of Appalachia’s perilous ecological state moving and poetic.
The practical, magical techniques in this book will resonate for witches who, like me, enjoy working with their hands. Ballard includes descriptions of using everyday materials (such as gravel, candy, and more) in magic.
She presents this in a way that’s as endearing as it is useful. The chapter on correspondences for candy sounds a bit strange at first, but in reading it, her rationale becomes clear. It’s a powerful approach, using daily items for magic.
In particular, I love her inclusion of a powerful binding spell involving just an egg and twine. She even suggests using a cast iron pan as a scrying mirror, which is in equal parts innovative and enchanting to me. Some of her suggestions might be impractical for some folks (not everyone has cast iron, for example), but for many of us, they will fit into our lives perfectly.
I can’t give many criticisms of this book. I suppose it could’ve been better organized, but the meandering words seemed to fit the subject matter.
The author’s tone conveys a deep appreciation for what she’s describing. It’s wholly appropriate, but might not resonate with all readers.
Overall, I give it five out of five stars. It’s a love song to Appalachia!
December 21, 2022
Hmm, this was a middle of the road experience for me. I've grown really interested in Appalachian folk magic, definitely aided by my love of the Old Gods of Appalachia podcast. But in this book, there wasn't much of the spellwork and practice that I expected, at least until late in the book, which begins as more of a vague, sentimental review of Appalachia's sociological makeup, class divides etc. A lot of the practice also felt limited by specific experience of the author, stuff you could largely only do easily if you lived in a cottage in rural Appalachia.
At the same time it was an extremely cozy listen, aided greatly by the gentle, lyrical narration, given in a charming southern accent by Tiffany Morgan.
There were some genuinely useful or interesting parts, like work songs doubling as incantation, such as a song sung over a churn of butter to keep impurities and evil spirits from it. The significance of different waters, from ditch, stump, snow, forge, and mill water, to morning dew, was fascinating. The brief herbal remedy section was interesting too, though some of them were pretty regional and impractical to forage for outside of Appalachia.
At the same time it was an extremely cozy listen, aided greatly by the gentle, lyrical narration, given in a charming southern accent by Tiffany Morgan.
There were some genuinely useful or interesting parts, like work songs doubling as incantation, such as a song sung over a churn of butter to keep impurities and evil spirits from it. The significance of different waters, from ditch, stump, snow, forge, and mill water, to morning dew, was fascinating. The brief herbal remedy section was interesting too, though some of them were pretty regional and impractical to forage for outside of Appalachia.
June 22, 2021
Having grown up in the area just to the west of Appalachia, I was looking forward to this book detailing folk remedies and legends of the region. I did not quite get what I hoped for, which was more of an anecdotal approach. Ballard's book instead offers detailed listings of different local plants and how they are used for remedies/spells. That would be fine if I aspired to a second (fifth?) career as a healer. As a reader and writer, I found it a bit of a slog. It would have been better if cut down to an article or blogpost. What I did enjoy was the book's view that our lives would be healthier and happier if we reconnected with the land and each other. Three and a half stars.
November 4, 2020
I wasn't sure what to expect with this one, but the cover and title caught my eye. Yes, the author covers history, folklore and magic, but the chapters are set up more like academic essays. Guess it makes sense, since she holds a MFA, and teaches the mountain folklore. At times though, I considered the details to be traditions, not magic, for example tools women used. Interesting, but images would help a lot, and more stories, like the ones of the women discussing the drug abuse of today. I would recommend this, but would work better for a class reading than personal. Maybe just me, but expected a smoother flow and a stronger feel of what makes the Appalachian people stand out, not repeating over and over they are not hillbillies. Also had a hard time following her discussion of religion, when she continues to mention she was from an unchurch family. If you want a different perspective, pick this one up, if you want an interesting read and view of mountain women perhaps not.
November 1, 2023
Byron Ballard invites you onto her land in this personal, conversational introduction to Appalachian folk witchery. While this isn’t her first book, it is a book that welcomes you. She makes a point in the introduction to explain what she calls the Appalachia diaspora, the folks who moved, often by necessity for work and education, away from home, never to return. She invites them to join her in celebrating these practices and traditions. And she also invites anyone with an interest to read and consider her histories and “jobs of work” she explores.
The book is divided into two parts: part one explains the culture and socioeconomic effects of capitalism on the land of Appalachia, and the second part introduces specific workings, or “jobs of work” as Ballard traditionally names them.
From herb lore to egg bindings, the practical applications of this book are unending. But what I found makes this such a powerful, memorable read, is the way the stories of Ballard’s personal life, anecdotes of friends and family, and historical, ancestral connection weave together to form a unique tapestry. She reminds us to love where we are and be grateful for the lands that raised us, no matter how outsiders view it; and she lovingly reminds readers that Appalachia is a place to be proud to be from.
A note: this book ends with some of the best short stories of ghosts and apparitions I’ve read! The personal stories of this book are such a highlight but none so much as the final chapter!
The book is divided into two parts: part one explains the culture and socioeconomic effects of capitalism on the land of Appalachia, and the second part introduces specific workings, or “jobs of work” as Ballard traditionally names them.
From herb lore to egg bindings, the practical applications of this book are unending. But what I found makes this such a powerful, memorable read, is the way the stories of Ballard’s personal life, anecdotes of friends and family, and historical, ancestral connection weave together to form a unique tapestry. She reminds us to love where we are and be grateful for the lands that raised us, no matter how outsiders view it; and she lovingly reminds readers that Appalachia is a place to be proud to be from.
A note: this book ends with some of the best short stories of ghosts and apparitions I’ve read! The personal stories of this book are such a highlight but none so much as the final chapter!
February 8, 2021
This is my first foray into the folkways of Appalachia and it was a suitable introduction into the region and folkways. The author shares information on the setting of the region, its history, how storytelling and music are valued, mountain kitchen witchery, herb lore, healing, and more.
The book is accessible and is not difficult to understand, but I don’t know if it’s meant to be a first foray. I found myself wishing I had more of a background knowledge of the region. I feel like if I had more knowledge, it would have been an even richer experience.
But everyone has to start somewhere! I’m certainly going to take advantage of the recommended resources listed in the back of the book and expand my knowledge.
My favorite chapter in the book is ‘Scraps and Other Useable Pieces.’ I like how the author talked about our connection to the natural world and how humanity has not always been good to the land. It’s an important thing to realize, so hopefully change can happen.
I really love the haint tales, specifically the Bride and Groom on Mt. Pisgah tale. I love lore like that and it’s wonderful to read lore from different states and/or regions. I know some of the tales from the state I live in, but it’s so cool to know others.
3.5 stars rounded up to four. Thank you to Netgalley and Llewellyn Publications for the opportunity to read an ARC of the ebook.
The book is accessible and is not difficult to understand, but I don’t know if it’s meant to be a first foray. I found myself wishing I had more of a background knowledge of the region. I feel like if I had more knowledge, it would have been an even richer experience.
But everyone has to start somewhere! I’m certainly going to take advantage of the recommended resources listed in the back of the book and expand my knowledge.
My favorite chapter in the book is ‘Scraps and Other Useable Pieces.’ I like how the author talked about our connection to the natural world and how humanity has not always been good to the land. It’s an important thing to realize, so hopefully change can happen.
I really love the haint tales, specifically the Bride and Groom on Mt. Pisgah tale. I love lore like that and it’s wonderful to read lore from different states and/or regions. I know some of the tales from the state I live in, but it’s so cool to know others.
3.5 stars rounded up to four. Thank you to Netgalley and Llewellyn Publications for the opportunity to read an ARC of the ebook.
November 18, 2020
*This book was received as an Advanced Reviewer's Copy from NetGalley.
The description and subtitle of this book is what drew me in. Folkways, culture, witchery; there's a lot of lore in the mountains. And the author is from Asheville, one of my favorite daytrips.
Ballard combines memoir with history with spellcraft and a few other dabbles of topics in this book. It meanders through lore and information about the area and the people of Appalachia, their customs and beliefs and superstitions. She mixes in some of her own reminiscing and customs that she learned from her family. And then there are receipts for spells or information on practices that utilize a manner of materials from the surrounding world or make-do.
The writing tone is very calm and 'familiar' and makes you feel comfortable broaching the topic matter. I enjoyed all aspects of the book regardless if it was talking history in general or her personal history. It was also a quick read; with sections flying by as they contained more vignette than in-depth study.
My only real complaint is that coming into this book as a person interested in the culture and folkways and not as a practitioner of magickcraft or other, there were some terms or practices that I didn't really understand and had to go look up that seemed to be taken for granted by the author as being common knowledge. For instance, dressing a candle; I gathered it involved oil but didn't know much beyond that.
An interesting book, and whether you're looking to study up on customs in Appalachia, folk history, and practice witchery, there's probably a little bit of something for everyone in here.
Review by M. Reynard 2020
The description and subtitle of this book is what drew me in. Folkways, culture, witchery; there's a lot of lore in the mountains. And the author is from Asheville, one of my favorite daytrips.
Ballard combines memoir with history with spellcraft and a few other dabbles of topics in this book. It meanders through lore and information about the area and the people of Appalachia, their customs and beliefs and superstitions. She mixes in some of her own reminiscing and customs that she learned from her family. And then there are receipts for spells or information on practices that utilize a manner of materials from the surrounding world or make-do.
The writing tone is very calm and 'familiar' and makes you feel comfortable broaching the topic matter. I enjoyed all aspects of the book regardless if it was talking history in general or her personal history. It was also a quick read; with sections flying by as they contained more vignette than in-depth study.
My only real complaint is that coming into this book as a person interested in the culture and folkways and not as a practitioner of magickcraft or other, there were some terms or practices that I didn't really understand and had to go look up that seemed to be taken for granted by the author as being common knowledge. For instance, dressing a candle; I gathered it involved oil but didn't know much beyond that.
An interesting book, and whether you're looking to study up on customs in Appalachia, folk history, and practice witchery, there's probably a little bit of something for everyone in here.
Review by M. Reynard 2020
December 27, 2020
This was an incredibly interesting read. It is not a book of spells and recipes. It is an in-depth look into the the Southern part of the Appalachia region. Part history, part anthropological study, part herb lore. This book was highly engaging and captivated me. It is heavier on the history and cultural aspects than I had expected. The author dives into one of the most misunderstood regions of the United States. The language is evocative in describing the people, and cultures that make up the region. The author makes a point to highlight the diversity of the region and pays homage to the roots of the various people that make their home in the southern highlands of the Appalachian region. The author does not shy away from controversial topics and makes a point to touch on the pillaging that humans have done to the land. The research and care that went into this book is evident. The author makes it clear that she is writing about the area she has experienced first hand. I really liked how the author is a native of the Appalachian region that chose to write about the region in clear language that evokes a sense of familiarity and kinship with the people that call the region home.
November 17, 2020
Recently I have become obsessed with links to my ancestors and the past and have read several books focused on regional practices. Oddly enough, this is the second one based in the Appalachians. While my ancestors did not come from the Appalachians, at least not to my knowledge, there were many similarities in some of the old ways and things that have been passed down to me.
From learning about incantations that were used by women as they work to signs and omens, to plants and herbs, and more, this book is filled with history and ties to the old ways that are still in practice today. I particularly liked the tales of saints at the end. A very good read for a cold day with a cup of tea and a candle going by your side.
From learning about incantations that were used by women as they work to signs and omens, to plants and herbs, and more, this book is filled with history and ties to the old ways that are still in practice today. I particularly liked the tales of saints at the end. A very good read for a cold day with a cup of tea and a candle going by your side.
February 21, 2021
I have always been intrigued by the folklore and ways of the Appalachia people. I remember growing up hearing the stories and the superstitions. As I grew older and more interested in witchcraft they began to make more sense.
I really enjoyed the way Ballard's storytelling flowed along in the book. She was able to tell a teaching journey that was not boring and was not your typical book of recipes. This was more history and reflection.
Thank you NetGalley and Llewellyn for the read.
I really enjoyed the way Ballard's storytelling flowed along in the book. She was able to tell a teaching journey that was not boring and was not your typical book of recipes. This was more history and reflection.
Thank you NetGalley and Llewellyn for the read.
July 25, 2023
The Appalachians call to their children with a certain resonant voice that speaks directly to the heart. We are deeply connected to this land - a feeling that is difficult to explain if you aren't from here. Yet Byron sings it as only an Appalachian native could - and brings us home. However far away we have been - however long it has been - her voice, her words stir memory and emotion.
I found myself laughing and crying - remembering - and I thoroughly enjoyed reliving traditions and language I haven't thought of in years. I loved learning about certain unfamiliar histories - Byron is an excellent source of historical information! But I think my absolute favorite part of this book came at the end when Byron recounts the time she was approached by a young woman in a café in San Jose. After they talked for a while, the young woman asks Byron if she "ever clog danced" and they proceeded to do exactly that - right there in a café in a most unlikely place. I know that experience precisely! My husband and I were vacationing in Jamaica when someone started playing a familiar tune with fiddle and banjo - a woman stood up and began to clog. I immediately felt the connection and joined her. It's a thing - a connection - that most would never understand, but for some of us, there is no choice but to give in to the rhythm of our lands and ancestry - and dance!
For those who lack the connection to this beautiful, torn land, read it with your mind open. Hopefully, you will see it with a new understanding. For those who are from here - you are going to experience a wonderful remembrance. Beautifully done!
I found myself laughing and crying - remembering - and I thoroughly enjoyed reliving traditions and language I haven't thought of in years. I loved learning about certain unfamiliar histories - Byron is an excellent source of historical information! But I think my absolute favorite part of this book came at the end when Byron recounts the time she was approached by a young woman in a café in San Jose. After they talked for a while, the young woman asks Byron if she "ever clog danced" and they proceeded to do exactly that - right there in a café in a most unlikely place. I know that experience precisely! My husband and I were vacationing in Jamaica when someone started playing a familiar tune with fiddle and banjo - a woman stood up and began to clog. I immediately felt the connection and joined her. It's a thing - a connection - that most would never understand, but for some of us, there is no choice but to give in to the rhythm of our lands and ancestry - and dance!
For those who lack the connection to this beautiful, torn land, read it with your mind open. Hopefully, you will see it with a new understanding. For those who are from here - you are going to experience a wonderful remembrance. Beautifully done!
February 2, 2021
#RootsBranchesSpirits #NetGalley #LlewellynPublications #AppalachiaHistory #AppalachiaRootwork #Rootwork #MountainHerbs #MountainMagic #TraditionalMedicine #Magic
Roots, Branches & Spirits: The Folkways & Witchery of Appalachia by H. Byron Ballard is a lyrical collection of traditional remedies of yarb women and yarb men whose families have lived in the small towns and isolated farms of the southern Appalachian Mountains for generations.
Much of what is covered in her book is probably at its end; that this information survives at all is probably attributable to poverty in the region, which has kept many families as subsistence farmers rather than tech workers. Ballard’s useful traditional knowledge is embedded in her sympathetic portrait of life in Appalachia.
Roots, Branches & Spirits is a wonderful introduction to an area and people who are often ignored. It will inspire readers to add some southern magic to practice as well as plan a trip to Tennessee or North Carolina. Just remember to take Byron Ballard's book along.
Roots, Branches & Spirits: The Folkways & Witchery of Appalachia by H. Byron Ballard is a lyrical collection of traditional remedies of yarb women and yarb men whose families have lived in the small towns and isolated farms of the southern Appalachian Mountains for generations.
Much of what is covered in her book is probably at its end; that this information survives at all is probably attributable to poverty in the region, which has kept many families as subsistence farmers rather than tech workers. Ballard’s useful traditional knowledge is embedded in her sympathetic portrait of life in Appalachia.
Roots, Branches & Spirits is a wonderful introduction to an area and people who are often ignored. It will inspire readers to add some southern magic to practice as well as plan a trip to Tennessee or North Carolina. Just remember to take Byron Ballard's book along.
March 20, 2024
beautiful cover. interesting book. it's not super organized, more meandering. there are spells in it, many that she has made up herself, and some history and a lot of folklore. she talks about the connection between the scotch irish, people from the border between scotland and ireland who were removed to ireland and then emigrated to the US, and the people of applachia. she also acknowledges other cultures. she's definitely angry about how the US has treated the region as a whole and looks at the opiate problem as a deliberate attempt to get rid of a disposable people rather than callous capitalism as usual that was able to get a good foot hold there because of the poverty and physical labor.
her politics seem solid but she's not above castigating squirrels as no-good creatures. it's a hodge-podge of information and a tribute to the region in general. probably a 3.5 stars for me, but you know, goodreads doesn't have that much subtlety. I want to get down to asheville this summer and reading this makes me want to go more.
her politics seem solid but she's not above castigating squirrels as no-good creatures. it's a hodge-podge of information and a tribute to the region in general. probably a 3.5 stars for me, but you know, goodreads doesn't have that much subtlety. I want to get down to asheville this summer and reading this makes me want to go more.
January 19, 2021
This book has everything you could want for a beginner or one who is familiar with recipes, spells, and using magical healing. Author Byron Ballard lived close to my family and I grew up hearing about different ways of caring for your mind, body, and spirit using his magic hands. I have not always understood this form of healing but have come to believe in its healing properties. There are many herbs and plants that have a lot of healing powers and through this book they are explained in great detail. If you are curious or have been using these items for years,this book is a great way to learn and understand more.
Thank you to netgalley as well as the author/publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to netgalley as well as the author/publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
February 15, 2021
Reading this book is like sitting down and visiting with the author. I was much reminded of the conversational and personal tone of "Southern Folk Medicine" by Phyllis D. Light, another book I immensely enjoyed. The primary purpose of this book is to keep Appalachian culture alive through magic and tradition. I'm not from Appalachia. I live in Florida, but I identify with so many things found within these pages. I wonder if it's because some of my family are of Appalachian descent. If you're interested in finding the magic within the stories that have been passed down from generation to generation, read this book.
I received a copy of this book for free through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book for free through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 2, 2023
Since spending so much time connecting with my own ancestry in East Tennessee and North Carolina, the rich traditions and folkloric rhythms of the area have been a balm to wounds I didn’t even know I had. Finding one’s culture after years of thinking there was none to be had is a powerful experience. The “witchy” sections also made me understand my own grandmothers a little bit more, which was humorous and a little surprising, even though I am not too big on exploring those traditions. It helps to understand where I come from, and to see the legacy of faith, tradition, culture and wisdom that has shaped the women in my family, even if they aren’t quite cognizant of it.
April 23, 2021
This book was the perfect intro into Appalachian folk ways, full of story with a few magical tidbits here and there. There is such a rich history and well of traditions coming from those mountains so while I longed to learn more, Ballard gave us a list of resources at the end to keep as going in was humble in what she could share in this lovely paperback. I would love to read more of Byron's work and to dig into more about "The Folkways and Witchery of Appalachia." For anyone just getting started I think this book is a great and welcoming place to start.
May 13, 2022
-Read via scribd audiobook-
This was such a nice read. I'm in the process of learning and accepting more of my Pennsylvania Appalachian roots that were part of my life, but on the very fringes of it. It's a wonderful journey and hearing some things in this book really helped cement my process into folkloric magic and traditional witchcraft.
The information inside is full of the folk tales, magic and lives of those that live and breathe Appalachia and it's nice to have spend the time steeped in it.
This was such a nice read. I'm in the process of learning and accepting more of my Pennsylvania Appalachian roots that were part of my life, but on the very fringes of it. It's a wonderful journey and hearing some things in this book really helped cement my process into folkloric magic and traditional witchcraft.
The information inside is full of the folk tales, magic and lives of those that live and breathe Appalachia and it's nice to have spend the time steeped in it.
September 21, 2024
Did not finish - it was boring and hardly informative, except for the history of the Appalachian people (mostly). The intro to Appalachia in the first few chapters were worth while, everything else was not. It all seemed like a good plot to sell a book.
Most things she considered “enchanted” or “witchy” were common things done by many Southerners - canning, gardening, and homemade everything. It seemed like a book that wasn’t worth the time writing - as another review said, this would’ve been a better blog spread across several posts.
Most things she considered “enchanted” or “witchy” were common things done by many Southerners - canning, gardening, and homemade everything. It seemed like a book that wasn’t worth the time writing - as another review said, this would’ve been a better blog spread across several posts.
October 27, 2021
The cover artwork is beautiful and is what drew me to this book. The mason jars with roots in them, reminded me of seeing my great grandmother pull a jar out of the fridge drink some of the reddish brown liquid in it and suck on the root in the jar. She was raised in southeastern Ohio during the coal boom.
This book gave me a better understanding of my family and the Appalachian culture that influenced them. Very interesting.
This book gave me a better understanding of my family and the Appalachian culture that influenced them. Very interesting.
November 23, 2021
It always feels like a trip home to read books written by other people who grew up in the Appalachian Mountains. I grew up in Southern West Virginia in the coal fields and understood the folk ways of the area even though each area of such a long mountain chain is a little different. Ballard captures the honest beliefs and history of the region. It is sad that hate toward our culture still to this day is carried on and accepted but maybe this book will open a few minds.
February 7, 2021
I love Byron and I'm lucky to live where I get to hear her speak and lead events occasionally. Part of me wishes this book were better organized, but part of me likes that it's a meandering collection of thoughts from her, and it's pretty much how she talks. Settle in, grab a cuppa, and be ready to absorb her recollections of folk wisdom from Appalachia.
February 25, 2021
Sadly this was a "DNF" for me. I read the first 25% of the book and dragged myself through the entire time. Thinking maybe I would connect with something further on, I flipped through the pages until the end, with no luck. I found it too personal. Just not what I was expecting.
I received an eARC from Llewellyn Worldwide Ltd through NetGalley. All opinions are 100% my own.
I received an eARC from Llewellyn Worldwide Ltd through NetGalley. All opinions are 100% my own.
May 9, 2021
For anyone out there looking for a book about the Appalachian traditions in terms of spiritual practices this a must read. The author weaves together what makes the area unique with some of the long held traditions of the people. She makes a few suggestions of things to try out, which I know I will be doing soon.
January 16, 2022
Soul-nourishing. Homely (in the best sense). Light on some of the details when it comes to the actual “jobs of work,” but rich in color, intention, music, and heart. The lack of detailed instruction only enhances the feeling that you’re not reading, you’re engaging in conversation on a front porch. As filling and sweet as cornbread with good butter.
May 17, 2022
Chatty guide to Appalachian life, morals, and folkways. Very encouraging to displaced Appalachians and those who are further than one generation removed. A good companion to White Trash by Nancy Isenberg. Workings include: candy spells, a house cleansing, a good thing to put in your kitchen window to keep the boogers out.
August 31, 2025
I love this book- I mean I LOVE this book- did I mention how much I love this book?! I needed it at this moment in my life- things in my life suddenly make sense, my roots also being from that region. It’s beautiful and the book was medicinal for me. The narrator was also good - she set a relaxed easy going tone that the book- and the wisdom in it- needed.
May 14, 2021
I learned something new and liked the stories told by the author.
A good book if you want to learn something about Appalachian lore
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
A good book if you want to learn something about Appalachian lore
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
March 9, 2022
I love everything that Byron Ballard writes. She is honest and true with sharing the ways of the Appalachian people from her own personal experiences and the deep work she has done through her education. Her gift of writing is always magical, reverent, and fun.
November 17, 2022
DNF. I got around half way through but gave up. I like the way that Ballard writes but there's not enough subject matter. Her prose is appealing but I didn't find that I was learning very much so I threw in the towel.
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