About Me

A Little Bit About Me:

My name is Michael Meehan. I am a genuine Christian braucher. I was taught by Rob Phoenix, but I also seem to have discovered a family history of Braucherei (or Powwow as it has become known).

My paternal family has a long history in the counties of Lancaster, Schuykill, Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry since the 1720’s. My first ancestors in this country were of German descent and settled in New Holland, Pennsylvania. Family history states that my 8th great-grandmother (Anna Margaret Hornberger Ellmaker 1703-1779) was known as a local healer and supposedly helped choose the place of the family’s homestead based upon her knowledge of “humors” and how the land might affect those humors.

Apparently and unbeknownst to me, this knowledge was passed down in my paternal family for some time. I recall my paternal grandmother and aunt writing prayers and psalms on a piece of paper, placing that in water and then having individuals who came to them with some malady, drink the water for healing. I also, upon my paternal grandmother’s death found a box amongst her belongings into which was tucked away an old bible from the 1855’s and a copy of Hohman’s “Long Lost Friend” from the 1856.

My purpose is to teach powwow and to offer services as I was taught by my mentor, Rob Phoenix. I am a Christian and only do this by God’s will. I do not adhere to the belief by some individuals who believe that some ancient goddess cult was brought to America by the German people to Pennsylvania nor do I believe in any sort of pagan roots for Braucherei. Braucherei is Christian. My ancestors were devout Lutherans and members of the Reformed churches. I myself am a Roman Catholic (as were some of the most early powwows – Hohman included). They were not pagans nor had any knowledge of paganism. The idea that braucherei is some sort of pagan magical practice is simply rooted in the grand delusions of some modern individuals who wish to practice paganism but also desire to find some sort of traditional and historical folk practice to validate their beliefs.

I state this so that individuals seeking aid from me will understand where I am coming from in my practice of powwow, know my “prejudices” and how I practice.

In my mundane life, I enjoy a variety of interests including fly fishing, hiking, studying history and theology, genealogy, playing the piano and fife, paranormal investigation, and spending time with my husband and two Airedale Terriers.

I hold a master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and am employed in Rehab at a nursing home in the Philadelphia region working with individuals with swallowing disorders and/or dementia.