Roots, Branches & Spirits opens a window into the folk magic of the southern Appalachians, a region where practical witchery, ancestral customs, and everyday spirituality have shaped generations. H. Byron Ballard, often called the village witch of Asheville, shares the traditions that have guided mountain communities for centuries, from healing practices to spirit communication and the quiet magic woven into daily life. Key Features: Authentic Appalachian folkways: Explores regional customs for healing, luck, prosperity, scrying, and protection. Teachings from a practicing folkloric witch: Ballard explains why these old methods endure, from dowsing to spirit work to reading signs in the land. Cultural insight: Discusses haint blue doors, magic hands for finding, and the stories behind local charms and practices. Hands‑on guidance: Offers tips for creating tinctures and salves, working with medicinal herbs, attuning to lunar phases, and interpreting omens. Blend of history and practice: Combines cultural exploration with practical instruction, making the traditions accessible to modern readers. Compelling specifications: A 5.25 x 8-inch paperback with 224 pages, sized for easy reference at the altar, in the garden, or on the go. Part cultural journey and part working manual, this book brings forward the living magic of one of North America’s most spiritually vibrant regions, offering readers a grounded, heartfelt connection to Appalachian tradition.
