"Discover the Healing Power of Plants and Prayers: Ozark Folk Magic" is a book that presents the traditional healing and magic techniques of the Ozark region of the United States, and applies them to the modern world.
The author, Brandon Weston, a popular healer of the region, shares his knowledge about medicinal plants, verbal enchantments, herbal recipes, magic tools and alignments, among other things, which are part of the secret culture of the area.
The book teaches how to optimize the work of healing and spells according to lunar cycles, zodiac signs and numerology. It also explores the medicinal uses of the native plants of Ozark, instructions for curing magical diseases, and how modern witches can feel comfortable with the traditions of the region.
With a combination of personal stories and practical tips, this book makes it easy to integrate popular Ozark magic into your practice.

Brandon Weston does an amazing job of bringing the stories and practices of Ozark folk magic to life. He does so in a respectful and conversational way. I listened to the audiobook and it felt very much like talking to a friend. There are many practices that are similar to those practices in Appalachia but there were many that are unique to the Ozarks. I enjoyed learning about the practices in this book though they are not how I would practice. If you’re interested in folk magic and learning about the customs of Ozarks I highly recommend this book.

Ozark Folk magic by Brandon Weston is a magical book that delivers on multiple fronts using personal experience, in person interviews, and traditional research to delve into the magic and lore of their homeland.

Where this book shines

1.The author is from the region and their more personal connection to the lore and practices helps create a connection for the reader as well.

.2. Solid Bibliography

3 The author uses interviews as a part of his research allowing a more modern perspective on work in the region while avoiding the pitfalls of basing a book purely on personal experience..

Where I would have liked to see more

1. This book is excellent for lore and reflection but offers little in the way of practical application for readers who do not have access to an elder to teach the practices.

2. More use of illustration and tables to break up the text.

Who would I recommend this book for

This book is an excellent read both for those interested in the lore of folk magic systems and for those who are from the region and looking to begin the process of reconnecting with their roots.

The Ozark are a significant region in the USA including the states of Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma. In Ozark Folk Magic author Brandon West sets out to capture the last of the true folk practices of the people of this area. Less “how to” this makes perfect reading for those with Ozark heritage, folklorists and those interested in regional magickal and spiritual practices.

*eArc provided by the publisher and NetGalley

Excellent and well written book that made me learn a lot.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

It was a fascinating read about ozark folk magic and I learned quite a lot by reading this book. It gives great basics for people who would be interested.

A great collection of cultural practices with a hopeful outlook towards preservation and continued evolution.

I loved this book. It’s full of history, folklore & magic. I didn’t know what Ozark folk magic was, but whenever I see folk magic I’m drawn in. I highly recommend!

Thank you to the Publisher and Netgalley for the advanced e-reader copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

This book should become the go-to book for information on Ozark folk magic. Other books were written by academic outsiders while this one is written by an author who is from the region and who also practices. Weston interviewed many, many people of all ages and backgrounds throughout the Ozark region in order to really dive into historic and modern practices and they offer a fascinating, incredibly researched and personal perspective. (They identify as non-binary in the book, though Weston's bio here on Goodreads identifies them as male, so I will use the pronoun Weston seems to prefer.) Two caveats-- Firstly, this isn't an in depth herbal remedy book, though it does profile a fair number of plants in the region with information about traditional ways they were used and how they are generally used now. Secondly, it is not intended to teach the reader how to practice these types of magic. Weston does give detailed information about some chants, spells, curse undoings, and so forth, but the book is not intended to replace learning from an elder and that is definitely the only way that they recommend truly learning. Nonetheless, it's a really thorough look into all facets of Ozark folk magic and healing. Highly recommended.

I read a digital ARC of this book for review.

There is a really interesting history of the cultures in the Ozark. It was super detailed and I really enjoyed reading it. The book includes stories from people being interviewed. I loved seeing how so many cultures came together to create something unique to the Ozark. I wish I could spend more time with the book before reviewing because I feel like nothing I say can really do justice to how much information is in the book. I have already preordered a copy from my local bookshop. I cannot wait to dig into this again.

What is Ozark folk magic? I didn't know either...until this book! I feel it gives great basics for anyone wondering more about this and would be wonderful to expand your knowledge base.

It is easy to read as well!

Going in to this book, I didn't know much about Ozark folk magic, but I became really interested when I came across this book on NetGalley. I ended up really enjoying this book and felt that they provided a good basic overview of what Ozark folk magic is without talking down to the reader. The book both piqued my interest in the subject and allowed me to learn a lot.

This is an interesting mixture of history, folklore and magic. However, if you're looking for something practical filled with recipes and practices, this one will miss the mark a bit. It does have sections on plants and practical objects, but the practicality of it was lacking for me. I think that someone from the area looking to get back in touch with their roots that may have been mostly lost over time, would absolutely adore this book.

This book is mainly theory and history based. I know nothing about the Ozark's and I'm sure all the information provided in this book would be fascinating to the right reader.

I did however personally pick this up hoping it would be a practical guide. There is a small part listing some plants and herbs but unfortunately not close to the amount I was expecting.

This is a treasury of authentic American folk magic compiled by an intrepid custodian of mountain traditional beliefs, past and present. In his introduction, author Weston emphasizes that the views of many Ozark and Appalachian men and women are not persistent superstitions, but survivals of a Celtic Christianity, native American shamanism, and African hoodoo magic, forged together by historic migrations and isolation from “civilization.” Here, a kinship has been openly developed around human, plant, and animal existence that allows for local healers and seers to use their “gift” for good purpose. They intervene to heal the sick, quiet disputes and marital discord, talk to “little people” and invisible Indian guides, and practice “goomering” (benevolent cursing).
Along with fascinating descriptions of illness and treatment terms, an extensive chapter on botanical remedies is provided, along with accounts of odd and often mundane tools that are believed to carry magical properties.
Weston’s chronicle is unique, non-derivative, and a valuable historical guide to the exceptional adaptations and culture of American country folk.

What more could you want from this book; it was perfect! I love how this book starts by going in depth into the topic and then works to help the reader delve deeper. I was in love with the cover art for this book and the title and did not disappoint! I really enjoyed its focus on folk magic and folk ideas and how those can be adapted to the modern world.

Before medicine was completed in hospitals and offices, it was often handled at home. Author and healer Brandon Weston takes readers on a trip through Ozark folk magic and the history. So much of the traditional hill folk magic is either passed along by verbal tradition or casually discussed in histories that are older than most people still alive. Weston takes a respectful look at the healing techniques, terms, charms, and magical ailments that sometimes continue to return in the Ozarks.  The book highlights how the traditions blended into strict belief in Christianity, and even other belief structures in the area. 

Weston, a practicing healer, does an incredible job of explaining how some modern practices tie into the tried and true older traditions. He focuses on the medicinal use of healing plants, clarifying what is no longer used (especially when dangerous), and provides practical advise for those who practice, are curious, or are just looking for a historical look at a rarely focused on regional belief system. 

Ozark Folk Magic is available January 2021 from Llewellyn Publishing.

This book was amazing!! I have been practicing for years and I hadn't heard of a book based in the Ozark. This was a wonderful gem of a find and I think those who are both new and old to the craft would find worth in this book! It is full of folk lore, magic, and history. I couldn't put it down!

Ozark Folk Magic is a book meant to be kept nearby .Reading it reminded me of my family members who lived in the mountains before hospitals and modern medicine. It is full of herbal and common sense magical advice. I never knew much about the Ozarks . I did realize they were mountainous and wild. Full of adventure and adventurous peoples. Native Americans, settlers from the East and South moved there. Influences from many cultures shaped absolutely doable( IMO )methods to help maintain health and happiness. There are some ways that I recognize from my own ancestry. The importance of three in spiritual matters is one. Signs in nature are also covered and the importance of healthy foods and keeping ones immune system in tip top shape. The customs of the rural common people are discussed and many are given. Both left hand (negative) and right hand ( positive) workings are given. My favorite part of the book was the listing of herbs used in the Ozarks and how they can be helpful today. Of course common sense has to be used and taking the place of medical care is not the goal of this book. Ozark Folk Magic is a book I will keep nearby as a positive and easily doable way to look at and improve my life.

The first few pages of this book made me feel like I was traveling back in time and began with what I can only compare to the WPA audio story collections. I was hooked from that moment on.

The author, who is descended from a long line of Ozarkians, shares his history and that of healers and magic in the Ozarks, “The good stuff”. You’ll learn about their folklore and how they blend religion, plants and beliefs to heal. The best part of all is you can apply it to your own practice.

A mix of history and magic, I think you will enjoy this book as much as I did. It is the best book if have read in quite a while in that it blends everything together and delivers it with a finesse that makes it hard to put down.