After years of pondering, Byron Ballard has finally written a primer for the kind of magic she practices. Driven to it by colleagues, friends and students, writing this little book is an act of stubborn devotion to a fading culture. This deceptively simple system of folk magic has come down to modern Southern culture through the immigrants and natives who called these blue hills home. Written in an easily accessible style and filled with insights and stories, Staubs and Ditchwater: a Friendly and Useful Introduction to Hillfolks Hoodoo is part memoir, part workbook.

Staubs and Ditchwater: A Friendly and Useful Introduction to Hillfolks' Hoodoo

Politics & Social Sciences

Ballard, H. Byron

Social Sciences

Smith Bridge Press

Sharing these practices and this beloved but fading culture has led me far afield, teaching and speaking. I’ve rambled from the bayous of Louisiana to the ruined hills of West Virginia, and from Memphis to Glastonbury in search of stories and materials and ways of doing. There are so many old ideas newly integrated into my personal practice and my teaching – enough to fill a book. And here it is. May you remember well and enjoy this next journey.

Asfidity and Mad-Stones: A Further Ramble Through Hillfolks' Hoodoo

This is a saga both serious and ridiculous of how the author came to love her body and listen to it, even when it whispered nonsensical things. Embracing Willendorf: A Witch’s Way of Loving Your Body to Health and Fitness is a kind of memoir, a story of walking and pondering, of thongs and tight Levis. And it is about transformation. About choosing to be healthier and achieving that through a wonderfully simple idea—that when we love our bodies, we will do what we need to do to nourish these exquisite and beautiful machines. Try out the tasty and healthy recipes in the back, then pick up a few rather naughty books from the suggested reading list. Because once you start loving your body, all sorts of interesting opportunities may present themselves. This book is your personal recipe with the ingredients for living a rich and vibrant life—and perhaps discovering your true self in the process. Embrace your life and your strong physical self. Embrace your Willendorf.

Embracing Willendorf: A Witch's Way of Loving Your Body to Health and Fitness

Health, Fitness & Dieting

“Earthwork” is a word used to describe a constructed bank of dirt, often raised in ancient cultures as a means of defense. Earth Works is a book of essays and rituals for a time of deep cultural change, a shift that author Byron Ballard calls “Tower Time.” The first part of the book explores scenarios in these chaotic times and suggests possible reframing to understand the historic underpinnings and the long-term effects on both the planet and its inhabitants. The second part of the book—called Berms—consists of tried-and-true rituals and ceremonies for communities, small groups and individuals to improve resilience and face inevitable change with courage, consideration and humor. Ballard has decades of ritual experience and brings that understanding to the practical and esoteric considerations of making ceremony both personal and powerful. You will find ideas here and inspiration—and something like hope.

Earth Works: Ceremonies in Tower Time

See the best price to sell, buy or rent books by the Smith Bridge Press publisher. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Smith Bridge Press

See the best price to sell, buy or rent books by the Smith Bridge Press publisher. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Staubs and Ditchwater: A Friendly and Useful Introduction to Hillfolks' Hoodoo

Asfidity and Mad-Stones: A Further Ramble Through Hillfolks' Hoodoo

Embracing Willendorf: A Witch's Way of Loving Your Body to Health and Fitness

Earth Works: Ceremonies in Tower Time