Der Braucherei Weg

with Jesse Tobin

"The Braucherei Path" will provide an overview of the history and evolution of the unique spiritual traditions of the PA Germans. Students will explore the historical roots of Braucherei from pre-Christian times to present. In particular they will focus on the evolution of the mystical cosmology through the many waves of cultural influence in both Europe and America. Students will explore the relationship between the rural nature of the PA German people and the structure and function of the Braucherei tradition. Students will engage in active discussion of the ongoing re-systemization of this living but severely fragmented tradition. This course will prepare interested students for a future apprenticeship in the practice of Braucherei, should they choose to pursue it. The course will be held at the Indigo Natural Healing Center, 15525 Kutztown Rd, Kutztown, PA 19530.This course is also available as a distance course for those who are not local to the Kutztown area.

Class dates for 2009 are as follows: 02/07, 03/14, 04/18, 05/16, 06/13, 07/11, 08/15, 09/12, 10/10, 11/14, 12/12, January of 2010 TBA. Meetings are one Saturday monthly from 10 am to 3 pm. The course is limited to 25 students, so please register early!

The curriculum will include, but is not limited to:

  • Pre-Christian history and contributions to the tradition from the Roman, Celtic, and Germanic peoples

  • Jewish and early Christian influence on the tradition

  • German Mysticism of the middle ages

  • Greek influence upon the tradition

  • History and mystical traditions of the reformation

  • Early Pennsylvania Braucherei

  • Native American influence

  • Twentieth century Braucherei

  • Differentiation between Braucherei and Hexerei

  • The decline of Braucherei- Industrialization, Hex Trials, WW1 & 2

  • Cultural revival

  • Cosmology and world view of modern day Brauchers

  • Physical prayers

  • Visual prayers

  • Prayers in the world of spirit

  • Folk herbal tradition

  • Folk agricultural tradition

  • New trends in Braucherei and the ongoing resystemization of the tradition

The cost for the course is $700