The Bible as a Spellbook: Folk Magic and Cultural Beliefs in Southern Appalachia

In Southern Appalachia, the Bible has long been more than just a book of faith—it has served as a book of spells, a source of wisdom, and a keeper of tradition. For generations, the people of these mountains have woven scripture into their daily lives, blending Christian beliefs with folk magic, herbalism, and deep-rooted superstitions passed down from their ancestors.
Birth, in particular, was seen as a sacred and communal event, where faith and folklore intersected in powerful ways. Midwives, often referred to as "granny-women," played a central role in childbirth, using prayers, charms, and herbs to ensure a safe delivery. These midwives viewed their work as a divine calling, incorporating both biblical scripture and old-world remedies into their practice. Many believed that the words of the Bible held power, capable of influencing outcomes when spoken with intention.
Psalm 112, for example, was frequently recited as a good luck charm, a protection spell of sorts for the mother and child:
Praise the Lord
Blessed are those who fear the Lord,
who find great delight in his commands.
Their children will be mighty in the land;
the generation of the upright will be blessed.
This psalm, like many other scriptures, was thought to bring favor, prosperity, and protection when spoken aloud or written down and placed near a newborn.
The blending of Christianity and folk magic in Appalachia was influenced by multiple cultural traditions. Indigenous herbal knowledge, German and Celtic charms, and African spiritual practices all contributed to what some now call "Appalachian Christianity" or "Christian witchcraft." Despite the stigma surrounding folk magic, many Appalachian families saw their traditions not as witchcraft, but as a continuation of their faith; praying over their sick, using herbs for healing, and calling on biblical verses for protection.
Superstitions and omens were also a major part of Appalachian belief systems. A black cat crossing one’s path could steal their good luck, while a black cat choosing to stay in their home signified prosperity. Ringing in the ears meant someone was speaking of you, while an itchy palm could signal financial fortune, or debt, depending on which hand tingled. These beliefs, alongside biblical spells and charms, formed the foundation of everyday life in the mountains.
Midwives and healers often placed symbolic objects under birthing beds to ward off evil or ease labor pains. A knife might be placed beneath the mattress to "cut" the pain of labor, while red thread or string was tied around a newborn’s wrist to protect against harm. These customs, while seemingly small, represented the deeply spiritual nature of Appalachian birth practices.
Even today, many Appalachian families hold onto these traditions, passing them down through generations. Some have reclaimed the term "Christian witch," embracing their heritage of prayer, spellwork, and folk healing through a biblical lens. Others simply continue the practices of their ancestors, blending faith and folklore in a way that feels true to them.
In the end, the Bible remains more than a religious text in Appalachia. It is a book of power, a guide for living and, for many, a spellbook whose words shape the world. Whether called upon for protection, healing, or good fortune, the scriptures remain deeply woven into the fabric of Appalachian life, just as they have for generations.