The Bretzius family learned that they had witnessed the results of a ritual from a religion known as powwow, a form of Dutch magic. The animals were a part of a healing or protection ritual, either relating to the healing of a physical ailment or protection from spiritual harm. The powwow religion has its roots in Pennsylvania and can be described as a mix of healing remedies, Christianity, and folk magic. While those that practice the powwow religion use charms and spells in their practice, they also rely on the Christian Bible as their main spiritual text.
