Resurrecting Granny

Abstract

Appalachian folk magic traditions, which are widely practiced throughout the mountainous region of the eastern United States, are referred to as granny magic, hillbilly hoodoo, doctoring, and cunning, among other terms. This chapter covers the historical context of granny women and other magic workers, followed by an overview of key traditions such as planting by the signs, biblical charms, and traditional medicine. Although these descriptions can invoke stereotypes of Appalachian people, granny witches and their kinfolk are part of a bricolage of Appalachian identities that reconfigure stereotypes. Contemporary practices include many older ones and add “wild tending” and consciousness-raising—practices that are socially embedded, spiritually renewing, and politically active.

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