“Yarb Women: the Traditional Female Healers of Appalachia”

with H. Byron Ballard

Thursday,  September 23, 2021 at 3 pm Eastern Daylight Time 

REGISTER HERE

 

The land of misty coves that comprises the southern highlands of Appalachia is one of the most diverse bioregions in the world. One of the cultures that stubbornly clings to its old ways is the tradition of the cove doctor, the yarb (“herb”) woman. These women ran their subsistence farms and took care of the medical needs of their immediate communities. Their work included midwifery, fertility, tending the dying and dressing the bodies of the dead. Their tools were simple and their skills much sought after.

The materials of the yarb woman included the plants that were cultivated in the garden and those that were wildcrafted. These were gathered according to the signs of the Moon and preserved through drying, tinctures, poultices and salves. There was also a tradition of incantations brought from the British Isles and employed against many common ailments.

The folkways of the region have traditionally been in the firm, experienced hands of generations of strong women and that remains to this day. The work of yarb women continues and flourishes in the Internet age where students come from far afield to learn these old ways, ways passed down through families whose ancestors have walked the hills for many generations.

H. Byron Ballard is a WNC native, teacher and writer. Her essays feature in several anthologies, and she writes a regular column on Crone-life for SageWoman Magazine. Her books include “Staubs and Ditchwater,” “Asfidity and Mad-Stones,” “Embracing Willendorf,“ “Earth Works,” and “Roots, Branches and Spirits.” She has presented at festivals and conferences including Sacred Space, Southeast Wise Woman Herbal Conference, Glastonbury Goddess Festival, ASWM, Appalachian Studies Association and Scottish Pagan Federation Conference. She is one of the founders and serves as senior priestess at Mother Grove Goddess Temple in Asheville, NC. She can be reached at My Village Witch.

Save the dates for upcoming ASWM Salons:

October 7 at NOON Eastern Daylight Time
“Sacred Sites of Cornwall”
Cheryl Straffon

October 21 at 3pm Eastern Daylight Time
“Sacred Instructions”
Sherri Mitchell

November 11 at NOON Eastern Standard Time
“The Old European Roots of Women’s Circle Dance”
Laura Shannon

January 13 2022 at NOON Eastern Daylight Time
“Dreaming the Presence: Exploring the Sacred Feminine in Dreams”
Rabbi Jill Hammer

The Salon recording will also be available to members after the event.