Readers, please enjoy this guest blog post by Brandon Weston, author of Ozark Folk Magic, Ozark Mountain Spell Book, and the new Granny Thornapple’s Book of Charms.
Verbal charms within Ozark traditional healing and folk magic make use of a variety of symbols and images pertaining to the specific rite to be performed. For example, images of rivers and waterways for cleansing, fire for releasing (burning away), lightning strikes for quickness, smoke or fog for concealing, etc. One popular image, especially amongst those Ozarkers still connected to the land and agriculture, is of “greening,” as it’s called. This symbol harnesses the power of all things that grow in nature—and some would say the very lifeforce of the natural world itself. “Greening” charms aim to bring life where previously there was only death and decay. These verbal charms seek to reinvigorate, replenish, renew, and ultimately make the target of the charm burst forth with energy and vitality.
“Greening” for Luck (Especially in Gambling)
This charm works best while holding a four-leaf clover in each fisted hand. Recite with both fists on either side of the head of the one you’re charming, or on either side of your own head.
As the green grass grows,
So your luck grows!
As the green clovers grow,
So your luck grows!
Greened like all greening greens
Of the green, green, world,
So your luck grows!
From brown to green!
From black to green again!
To “Green” Someone Who Is Sick
Pair this charm with an herbal tea of your choosing. Ozark charmers will often make a “green” tea from fresh herbs rather than dried while performing a “greening” charm like this one. The fresh herbs are symbolic of the vitality imparted by the charm.
I green you [FIRST and LAST NAME],
Not the first time,
Not the last time,
I green you [FIRST NAME]!
Where there was once only death,
Now there is green, green life!
Where there was once only black,
Now there is the golden green!
From Heaven to Earth,
From Earth to plant,
From plant to body,
Life from death,
Life from death,
And a greening sufficient for all health.
“Greening” to Honor the Land
Used often as a field or garden blessing on the first day of spring. This charm can also be used to honor the land spirits around your home or to appease angry elementals at sites of pollution, clear-cutting, construction, wildfire, etc. Take with you a jar or container of dried green peas. As you recite the charm, pivot slowly in a clockwise circle, tossing the green peas out onto the land. Repeat the charm three times.
I am greening the green,
For the love of all the good,
For the care of all the wild,
For the peace of all the troubled!
I am greening the green,
To grow the greening green,
To bless the greening green,
To heal the greening green!
I am greening the green,
From rot to right,
From black to green,
From death to life!
Our thanks to Brandon for his guest post! For more from Brandon Weston, read his article “Mountains in Ozark Folk Magic.”
