The Feral Folklorist
The Feral Folklorist is a podcast that blends strange history, old-world witchcraft, and hands-on folk magic. Each episode explores a real haunting, folktale, or magical belief—then digs deeper into the spellcraft, superstition, and shadow work buried underneath. From witch bottles and death omens to crossroads myths and Southern curses, this show uncovers the folklore people whisper about but rarely explain.
Hosted by author and folklorist Papa Gee, The Feral Folklorist combines storytelling with practical magic, revealing how ancient beliefs still shape the way we protect, hex, heal, and haunt. Whether you’re into ghost stories, rootwork, or ritual, this podcast invites you to explore the eerie, the enchanted, and everything that still smells like smoke.
New episodes every other Monday.
The Feral Folklorist
8. Where Haints Get Stuck: Bottle Trees to Trap Evil Spirits
Blue bottle trees aren’t just porch decorations—they’re spirit traps. In this episode, we dig into the Southern and African origins of this folk magic tradition, where glass bottles are used to confuse, trap, or drive off wandering spirits. You’ll learn how this practice came over from the Congo, how it changed in the American South, and why blue is the color most often used to keep bad energy away. We’ll talk about how bottle trees work, what kinds of spirits they’re meant to catch, and the signs that one might be doing its job a little too well. Then we’ll get into the magical mechanics—how to build one, how to set it, and what to watch for when the bottles start to hum. If you’ve ever driven past a tree strung with glass and felt it watching, this one’s for you. Because not all spirits knock—and bottle trees don’t need an invitation to go to work.
Want more from The Feral Folklorist?
Dive deeper into each episode, explore merch, and get all the latest updates at:
https://feralfolklorist.com
Become a patron to unlock Feral Footnotes (our exclusive after-show), get early sneak peeks, weekly folk magic articles, and downloadable spells featured in each episode:
https://patreon.com/papagee
Stock up on your magical supplies from our metaphysical shop that’s been serving the public for over 25 years:
https://aromags.com
Browse Papa Gee’s books, tarot readings, and more at:
https://folkmagicstudio.com
Our digital magazine, Folkloreum, explores herbal recipes, spells and rituals, tales of folklore, and offers a little bit of spooky fiction in the mix. You can find it at: https://folkloreum.com/
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