In the spirit of Halloween, I came upon an article about the Appalachian Granny Witches who served in areas of East Tennessee. Not tied to Wiccan traditions, these women acted as community healers and midwives, using plant knowledge and folk magic for medical care. They could also be deeply religious, blending their faith with their healing practices.
These mysterious “granny witches” lived in the mountains, tending to their community with a mix of folk wisdom and the magic of the land. They were healers who gave charms for protection and herbal preparations for wellness.
The figure of the granny witch symbolizes resilience, self-reliance, and a deep respect for nature—qualities many of us yearn for in our increasingly busy world. The power of the pause, as I often refer to it, can be medicine for ourselves and for others with whom we interact. It reminds us of the strength within and the importance of connection.
As a child, I remember how much I loved Halloween. The tradition of dressing up and heading out with friends, giggling as doors opened to smiling faces, was magical. There was a spookiness to the night—not frightening, but a feeling that something unseen lingered in the air.
As adults, we still wear masks—though not always the kind we find in costume stores. We wear masks of confidence when we’re unsure, of calm when we’re overwhelmed, of strength when we’re weary. Sometimes those masks protect us, but other times they keep us from being truly seen.
Maybe the Granny Witches of the mountains can teach us something here. They lived authentically, in rhythm with the earth and their purpose. Perhaps this Halloween, instead of putting on another mask, we can gently take one off. Let ourselves be real—with our exhaustion, our hope, and our humanity.
When we do, we make room for the kind of magic the Granny Witches knew so well—the magic of truth, compassion, and deep connection. And maybe that’s the kind of healing our modern world needs most.
Reflection/Question:
What mask might you be ready to set down this season? How might showing your true self bring a bit more ease—to you, and to those who share your path?
“When we pause long enough to be real, we create space for healing—in ourselves and in others.”
— Cyndi Mariner
Hugs (and a little Halloween magic),
Cyndi