Welcome to WOTC! A Thought for Today

May your and your family’s lives be filled with love, happiness, laughter, joy, and positive things!

Blessed be.

If you want to see information on any tradition of witchcraft, herbs, flowers, a Goddess or a God, or anything pertaining to any tradition of witchcraft, please put it in the comment section or email Lady Carla Beltane at ladybeltane@witchesofthecraft.com. I will try to find some information to post about it.

Spell for Friday – Candle Magick for Rocky Times

(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY SPELLS POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY)

LOVE SPELL WARNING: Love spells such as this one take the person who you want to love you free will/spirit away. What happens with a spell like this is the person will become obsessed with you to the point of possibly losing their job, which in turn can make them lose their home, automobile, friends, their family, etc. I have heard of people under love spells dying from not eating or drinking when they are not in the presence of the spellcaster 24/7/365. So, unless you want some who only loves you because of a spell you put on them then go for it. But if you want someone to love you because they feel that emotion towards you then please do not do this spell. The same warning goes for animals, birds, reptiles, or anything else that has a heart and can create a bond with someone.

Candle Magick for Rocky Times

You will need:

Pink Candle

The Spell:

A love candle with oils and herbs hidden in a secret place instills confidence in our power to be good lovers. It is a secret source of inspiration when times are hard and you need to work through problems that arise in your relationship.

Hold a pink candle and charge it for future spells, by visualizing you and your lover in a happy loving embrace. Put the energy from this vision into the candle. The say out loud:

“We will always love each other.
May the Goddess and God grant this.
for the good of all.”
 

When problems arise in your relationship or you need self-confidence, take out the candle on a Friday during a waxing moon and anoint it with love oil using this procedure: Put some oil on your index finger, and beginning in the middle of the candle, run your finger to the wick end. Then repeat, rubbing the oil down to the bottom of the candle. Light the candle and let it burn down completely and go out.

Welcome to WOTC! A Thought for Today and Information on WOTC Open Chat

Finally getting a little snow!!! I know many of you who do not usually get snow have got record setting amount in your area but look at it this way you and your families have a once in a lifetime memory and a couple of extra days to spend with each other. Of course for those of us that experience chronic pain this weather is not so great. I am doing my best each day to bring you the regular daily posts. If I skip some it is the extra information I am slacking on but again I will do my daily best to bring you all what I consider important posts. Thank you for your support and understanding when I do not get every daily post done.

I ask that we all keep in mind and send positive energy to all in our community that need it for any reason. Remember that depression is worse for many during winter with lack of sunshine and being able to get out of their homes as much as in the nice weather. These sisters and brothers and guests need our support and positive thoughts to help them through this winter. I understand depression and chronic pain has I deal with both and empathize with you. I am here if you want to “talk” be it through email, wotcladybeltane@gmail.com or ladybeltane@witchesofthecraft.com, or through a audio or video call via Skype. My hand is reaching out to you to help all you have to do is take it. I am not a professional therapist or anything else except and ordained pagan minister who will keep whatever we talk about to myself. I am not here to take the place of any medical professional you are seeing or talking I am just here as a friend and high priestess. I promise to reply to your email, you need to email if you want to talk via Skype too, just as soon as I can. Please remember I live in the USA and am in the Central Standard Time Zone when you are waiting for a reply. No matter where on Mother Earth/Gaia you live I will make a time for a private Skype call work for us. I am not just saying these words that I will be here for you I mean I WILL BE HERE FOR YOU!

The WOTC Open Chat private meeting room via Skype will start this Sunday, January 26th at 9:00 AM CST. You just need to email me at either email address wotcladybeltane@gmail.com or ladybeltane@witchesofthecraft.com with the link to your Skype account so I can add you to the private meeting room. Please email me your Skype link again if you have already set up a Skype account for this community chat. Please DO NOT use your full given name but use some name when setting up your account as I will not accept anyone who just has the ID Skype gives out. The reason for not using your full name is because our given name has power that can be used by someone else to bring us harm. You can join the group chat either by audio or by video whichever you feel comfortable with, we will talk about whatever those in the private meeting room want to. There will be no bullying, racism, gender bashing, pushing of political agenda or any other negative comments allowed as this is to be a safe place for our community to gather and be comfortable talking about whatever. If you violate the safety of our private meeting room and those in it in anyway you will be give ONLY ONE chance to apologize to our group. A second time crossing the line and you will be permanently banned from ever joining the chat group again forever.

I send love and warm, comforting hugs to everyone who choose to accept them. I will be lighting a yellow, long burning candle this morning for positive energy asking RA to spread it, if you would like your name (first name and last initial only or your pagan name) just email me or put it in the comments below this post please. I will add names as I get them, if one candle gets filled I will start another one.

May your and your family’s lives be filled with love, happiness, laughter, joy, and positive things!

Blessed be.

Spell for Tuesday – Daily Prayer to The Goddess

YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY SPELLS POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY)

For your Viewing Pleasure – Witchcraft: The Truth Behind The World’s Fastest Growing Religion (Pagan Documentary)

Also, the grandsons of all witches they did not burn.

Witchcraft: The Truth Behind The World’s Fastest Growing Religion (Pagan Documentary)

Welcome to WOTC! A Thought for Today

We all possess magick in our hearts and spirits. Those of us who choose to learn who we are at our core walk a spiritual path closer to Mother Earth/Gaia.

I am moving slowly this morning and taking a few more breaks so I am not sitting as long with my knee bent. All the regular daily posts will get up hopefully this morning. We will be snuggly at home until at least Tuesday because of – 0F wind chill temperatures. Our furnace is being funny and we don’t want to take the chance of us not being home the furnace quitting with the possibility of lots of things going wrong especially Crystal or Merlin getting sick. Merlin just finished a round of antibiotics for an upper respiratory infection with him almost 13 years old we are watching his health more closely than when he was younger. Crystal wants to stay outside to play even with these brrrr temps but of course, we don’t let her. Please watch how long your companion is out in the winter as their paws can get frostbite as well as their ears and nose.

May your and your family’s lives be filled with love, happiness, laughter, joy, and positive things!

Blessed be.

If you want to see information on any tradition of witchcraft, herbs, flowers, a Goddess or a God, or anything pertaining to any tradition of witchcraft, please put it in the comment section or email Lady Carla Beltane at ladybeltane@witchesofthecraft.com. I will try to find some information to post about it.

Spell for Today – Black Tourmaline Boundary Spell

(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY SPELLS POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY)

Saturday is the sixth day of the work week. It’s officially the weekend. Some see it as one of the luckiest days for gambling. It’s one of those days where you can do what you need around your home and relax, as well. You can take care of a little business, then, reap the rewards. It’s a really good day to do collect, courage, reap, gamble and exercise spells.

 

Black Tourmaline Boundary Spell

If you are the sort of person who really wants or needs a fast crystal protection spell that is no muss, no fuss, then try out this Saturday witchery while working with your black tourmaline. Hold the black tourmaline jewelry piece or the raw chunks of stone in your hands. Visualize what it is that you want them to do. Then repeat the following spell verse three times:

Lovely tourmaline crystal so chunky and black
Reflect all negativity right out and back
While I am inside of this magickal boundary
I am protected from any psychic vampires
By the element of earth, keep me free from the mire
May this crystal spell grant the outcome I desire.

Now go ahead and work with the black tourmaline. I bet that you will notice a huge difference.

Source: Book of Witchery Spells, Charms & Correspondences for Every Day of the Week by Ellen Dugan

 

Spell for Monday – Monday’s Minute Magic

(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY SPELLS POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY)

Spell for Thursday – Crystal Abundance Spell

(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY SPELLS POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY)

Crystal Abundance Spell

Some quartz crystals contain bits of greenish mineral matter in them. These are known as “money crystals” or “abundance crystals.” If possible, use one of these in this spell. Otherwise, a clear quartz crystal will work fine.

INGREDIENTS/ TOOLS:

1 quartz crystal

An image that represents abundance to you

BEST TIME TO PERFORM THE SPELL:

On a Thursday when the moon is waxing

Select a magazine picture or download an online image that symbolizes prosperity to you. It might be an object or condition you desire, such as a new home, a sports car, or a European vacation. Lay the picture face up on a windowsill where the moon’s light will shine on it.

Wash the crystal in warm water with mild soap to cleanse it of any unwanted energies. Dry the crystal, then hold it to your third eye (between your eyebrows) while thinking about your intention. Doing this sends the image into the crystal. Then set the crystal on the picture. Make sure the crystal’s point faces toward the inside of your home, to draw what you want to you. Leave the crystal in place overnight. In the morning, remove the crystal and picture and give thanks for the bounty you are about to receive.

Source: Skye Alexander, The Modern Guide to Witchcraft: Your Complete Guide to Witches, Covens, and Spells

How do I write a Spell?

How do I write a Spell?

State your intention. Decide on the result you want to accomplish with the spell.

The Moon is important in witchcraft and, therefore, has a profound influence. The Moon is important in witchcraft and, therefore, has a profound influence.

Time your spell. Timing when casting spells can be important. The Moon is important in witchcraft, and therefore has a profound influence upon us. It is very important to choose the right moon phase for your spell;Magical workings for gain, increase or bringing things to you, should be initiated when the moon is waxing (from new to full);When the moon is waning (from full to dark), then its time for magical workings of decrease or sending away.

The highest energy occurs at the full moon, and therefore this is the most powerful time for magical workings. The new moon is the next most powerful time for magic.

Work with the seasons. There is a natural time for starting things (a planting time), for maturing things (a growing time), for reaping things (a harvest time) and, of course, a time for rest and planning.

Gather your tools. Make sure that you have all the tools that you need for casting the spell. Your tools must have no inherent magic. They are to help you create a mood. You also have to clean your tools. Don’t forget to cleanse and bless (consecrate) your tools before your begin casting your spell.

Understand magic. Remember that magic is the manipulation of energy, a thought is a form of energy and a visualization is an even stronger form of energy. Your visualization can be a method used to intensify further and direct your will. Your visualization can be the method by which you control the magical energy you have produced. You must know what you want. You must see it. You must feel the high energy flow. You must direct it.

Write your spoken words. For making your words and thoughts stronger you can write your spell into a rhyme to be spoken aloud; this makes it easier to remember your spell, you can also chant your spell to raise energy.

Remember the Threefold Law. Everything that you want to reach with this spell comes back 3 times, good or wrong.

Additonal Tips

Before you write your final version of your spell, you can write on a note what you want to reach with your spell, and what you are needing.

Don’t forget to cast a circle before doing any spell, for you are totally vulnerable for elementals when casting higher powers of other beings.

Meditation is the key to relaxation, and being completely relaxed allows energy to flow freely throughout your body. You should learn how to clear your mind and focus with whats on hand.

Remember the very important law: if thee harm none, do what thou will.

Remember to always end a spell in “In no way shall this spell reverse, or place upon me any curse, so mote it be”

Spell for Today – Sunday Pagan Worship

(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY SPELLS POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY)

Finally, it’s Sunday, the official day of rest. Not only do Christians acknowledge this day but I’m sure many pagans appreciate this day, as well. Everyone needs rest and a lot of people need a good day to worship their creator (whomever or whatever that may be), however they deem fit to do so. With the Sun being the central theme of many ancient rituals, Sunday just seems to fit, in name and theory.

Sunday Pagan Worship

What you will need:
Your voice
Your body
1 bell (optional)

Find a quiet, private area, without distraction. Sit down in a comfortable position. Take a few, slow, deep breaths. Allow your body to become very relaxed. When you have done this, if you brought a bell, ring it seven times. Allow the last ring to resonate throughout your body. If you have something you want to say, to God or The Goddess, now would be a good time to do this. When you are finished, say this prayer or chant:

“I know there is a higher
being than me.
I am not alone.
You are with me,
Day and night.
You’ve rode the lows
And watched the heights.
If angels are real,
I’m sure to have a guardian.
I am so thankful
And so grateful for your hand.
You’ve blessed me.
You’ve fed me
You’ve quenched my thirst
And even dressed me.
A ‘man,
A ‘man,
And Blessed Be.”

When you are finished, ring the bell seven more times, to end the ceremony

 

Source: The Modern Day Spellbook: A Collection of Spells for the Modern Day Witch by R. Marten

Some of the Witchcraft/Magickal Correspondence and Spell for Sunday

(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY CORRESPONDENCES POSTED SPELLS POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY. You can find the origin of the spell by clicking on the hyperlink.)

Sunday’s Witchery

Those ambitious, successful spells and charms will be heightened by working on the day of the week that has the planetary influence of the sun. So light those sunny candles, wear some luminous colors, and break out the gold jewelry! Bake up some cinnamon rolls or low-fat cinnamon muffins for an enchanting family breakfast. Take an orange with you to eat at lunch today. Try using a little magickal aromatherapy and burn some cinnamon-scented incense to encourage success and wealth today. Make the talisman to keep your solar magick with you. Sprinkle some dried marigold petals around your house-or across the threshold-to pull triumph and protection toward you and your family.

Get outside and tip up your face to the sun. Take a walk outside, and soak up some sunshine! Acknowledge the power of Sunna or Helios as they blaze across the sky and bring courage and motivation into your life. Sit outside at sunrise on a Sunday morning and bask in its warm, rosy-golden glow Acknowledge Brigid as the inner, creative spark of imagination and inspiration. She can help these gifts burn brightly within your own soul. Use your imagination and create your own brand of witchery and magick. Here comes the sun, and it’s your turn to shine!

—–Book of Witchery: Spells, Charms & Correspondences for Every Day of the Week
Ellen Dugan

A Crossroads candle spell is used when you cannot choose the left fork in the road or the right. This spell is for MAJOR decisions like moving, career, etc. I would strongly not suggest this spell for a choice between two men or women.

CROSSROADS SPELL

1 white candle
1 black candle
1 red candle
A packet of Cornnuts (original recipe) Toasted Corn
21 caramels
1 small bottle of rum
three cigars (unwrapped)
Three stick matches
21 pennies
 

Write a letter to the spirit of the Crossroads and tell him the situation that you cannot decide or which road or path to choose. Lay it out in good detail which is which – meaning, what will happen if you choose this road and what will happen if you choose that path.

Go to a 4 way crossroads at 11:30 pm preferably on a Sunday night, but any night will do if you need it NOW. Place letter in center of a 4 way crossroads (must be 4 way) that extends beyond 7 blocks in each direction. Place three candles in a triangle shape on letter, surrounded by the 21 pennies. Lay one cigar each at base of the candle. Place one of each of the stick matches in between each candle. Place caramels and open pack of Cornnuts and pour in center. Take a good draw of the rum into your mouth, swish it around, spit it in a spray-like pattern over all. Set rest of open bottle of rum down on paper. Light candles and walk away.

Do not, do not,DO NOT look back or look into rear view mirror when driving away.

Accept what happens and where this takes you.

Source: Free Candle Spells

Spell for Friday – Psychic Herb Pillow

(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY SPELLS POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY)

Psychic Herb Pillow

Psychic spells can help you tap into your natural psychic abilities or help you further develop the ones you already know about.

This is one of the more classic psychic spells, where you sleep with an herbal pillow to help bring on astral travel and psychic dreams during the night.

You can make a simple one with these supplies:

  • Purple or silver fabric
  • Mugwort
  • Flax seed
  • Wormwood
  • Galangal root
  • Lemon balm

If you don’t have all the herbs, at least have the mugwort and the lemon balm. Gather up your herbs and make a pillow. I won’t give you sewing instruction as I’m sure you can figure out how to sew two pieces of fabric together. Just make sure the stitching is tight enough that you don’t have herbs dribbling out.

Stuff with herbs but don’t make it too thick. You have to sleep on this, so it needs to be kind of flat. Slip the pillow inside your actual bed pillow under your head. After a few nights of sleeping on this charm, you will start to remember your dreams more clearly and expect some psychic impressions to start coming through.

The historic Maya oriented their lives by the heavens. Today, their descendants and Western scholars team up to understand their sophisticated astronomy

ZUNIL, GUATEMALA—As the Sun climbs over a hillside ceremony, Ixquik Poz Salanic invokes a day in the sacred calendar: T’zi’, a day for seeking justice. Before she passes the microphone to the next speaker, she counts to 13 in K’iche’, an Indigenous Maya language with more than 1 million present-day speakers in Guatemala’s central highlands. A few dozen onlookers nod along, from grandmothers in traditional dresses to visiting schoolchildren shifting politely in their seats. Then the crowd joins a counterclockwise procession around a fire at the mouth of a cave, shuffle dancing to the beat of three men playing marimba while they toss offerings of candles, copal, and incense to the wind-licked flames.

Poz Salanic, a lawyer, serves as a daykeeper for her community, which means she keeps track of a 260-day cycle—20 days counted 13 times—that informs Maya ritual life. In April, archaeologists announced they had deciphered a 2300-year-old inscription bearing a date in this same calendar format, proving it was in use millennia ago by the historic Maya, who lived across southeastern Mexico and Central America. In small villages like this one, the Maya calendar kept ticking through conquest and centuries of persecution.

As recently as the 1990s, “Everything we did today would have been called witchcraft,” says fellow daykeeper Roberto Poz Pérez, Poz Salanic’s father, after the day count concludes and everyone has enjoyed a…

Click here to read the rest of this article

A version of this story appeared in Science, Vol 376, Issue 6597.

How to Cast a New Year’s Eve Protection Spell

How to Cast a New Year’s Eve Protection Spell

New Year’s Eve is a liminal time where the energies around us are more susceptible to change. As we look upon a new year full of possibilities and opportunities, it is important to start off the right way. Protecting ourselves, our family, and our space is something essential to do before we commence into the new year.

A New Year’s Eve Protection Spell can be a powerful tool to keep us safe and supported as we let go of the old year and prepare for the future.

Protection spells are powerful rituals that aim to safeguard oneself or one’s home from danger and harm. It is a fairly universal magical rite, often using symbols such as mirrors or images of guardian angels, to channel protective energies and ward off malicious intentions.

This type of spell often involves the use of charms, talismans and incantations; sacred objects like crystals, herbs and special tools may also be used to assist in the spell’s power.

Spell for Tuesday – A Pet Blessing Spell

(YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE ANY SPELLS POSTED TO A DOCUMENT TO PRINT AND/OR SAVE ON YOUR COMPUTER FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY)

A Pet Blessing Spell

Spoken – As needed, perhaps even on a regular basis to bless and protect your fur-babies. No materials are required however you may want to anoint your pets forehead with some protection oil, this is optional.

Dog Blessing

Hecate, Dark Mother
In protecting this home
In your place as is right
Stands one of your own
In defending this house
And all creatures within
Your sacred beast
A true loyal friend.
Keep him from harm
As he guards all he loves
And watch over him
So below, as above.

-or-

Blessing For Dogs

Diana, Goddess of the Wind
Keeper of dogs both fierce and mild
Hold (name of pet) safely in your arms
And protect this creature from all harm
And should the day come that he/she roams
Guide him/her to the path back home
Bless (name of pet) with a joyful life
Free of hardship, stress and strife

Blessing For Cats

Bast of beauty and of grace,
Protectress of the feline race,
Shield (name of pet) from all hurt and harm
And keep him/her always safe and warm
Watch over (name of pet) from day to day
And guide him/her home, if he/she should stray
And grant him/her much happiness
and a good life free of strife and stress.

-or-

Cat Blessing

O great Goddess Bast, I ask
That you keep (name) at home
Safe from all mischief
And wanting to roam
Grant the contentment
Known to his/her race.
See that he’s/she’s happy
In this his/her rightful place

Celtic Tree Month of the Birch December 24 – January 20

(SIDE NOTE: I am sorry I am posting this month so late. I lost track of it going up between all the holidays)

From ireland-calling.com

Birch – the tree of birth

Birch is a hardy and adaptable tree, able to grow where many trees cannot. It seldom grows alone and is often found in groves.

 

The birch tree has many uses both medicinal and practical.

Birch wood is durable but quick to rot, making it a good home for insects and birdlife.

It was often used to make May poles and start the fires at Beltane, the festival of new beginnings, due to a highly combustible tar in its bark.

This tar is furthermore believed to be good for the skin and can be used to treat eczema.

Birch is also associated with purification and protection. The leaves of the birch can be brewed into a tea that treats infection, stimulates the gall bladder and kidneys and is said to dissolve gravel and kidney stones.

Birch used to stimulate purification process

In Scandinavia birch is used in saunas to stimulate the purification process and in Russia birch branches are beaten against the skin at steam rooms for the same purpose. This practice was also used as a punishment in old England to purify a criminal of evil.

The Birch was seen by the Druids as the tree of birth – a symbol of new beginnings. Beth, meaning birch, is the first letter in the Ogham alphabet and the first month in the Celtic Tree Calendar.

Brooms were often made out of birch twigs as birch was believed to have protective qualities.

The birch brooms were used to drive away the spirits of the old year in a protective ritual called ‘beating the bounds’.

Babies’ cradles were often made of birch for these same protective qualities and it is said that carrying a piece of birch will protect you from fairies.

For Your Listening Pleasure – Litha

Wiccan Music for Litha

From Your Listening Pleasurer – Yule

Pagan Yule Carols (Wiccan Holiday Music)

For Your Viewing Pleasure – Appalachia Mountain Roots Plants and Herbs

Disclaimer: No herb should be used for medicinal purpose until you have checked with your health care professional to ask if it is safe for you to use it for any reason. The content provided on this website is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health. WitchesofTheCraft.com, any staff member of WitchesofTheCraft.com and/or Lady Carla Beltane are not responsible for any type of negative reaction when using this herb for any reason.

This is an interesting series by Donnie Law about the Appalachian Mountain people in the eastern USA. Included in this area is where Lady Abyss was from in Kentucky, USA. So, I always think of her when I am watching one of these videos.

Appalachia Mountain Roots Plants and Herbs

Appalachia – From Wikipedia

This article is about the region in the United States. For other uses, see Appalachia (disambiguation).

Appalachia (/ˌæpəˈlæə, lə, lʃə/) is a cultural region in the Eastern United States that stretches from the Southern Tier of New York State to northern Alabama and Georgia.[1] While the Appalachian Mountains stretch from Belle Isle in Canada to Cheaha Mountain in Alabama, Appalachia typically refers only to the cultural region of the central and southern portions of the range, from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia southwest to the Great Smoky Mountains. As of the 2010 United States Census, the region was home to approximately 25 million people.[2]

Since its recognition as a distinctive region in the late 19th century, Appalachia has been a source of enduring myths and distortions regarding the isolation, temperament, and behavior of its inhabitants. Early 20th century writers often engaged in yellow journalism focused on sensationalistic aspects of the region’s culture, such as moonshining and clan feuding, and often portrayed the region’s inhabitants as uneducated and prone to impulsive acts of violence. Sociological studies in the 1960s and 1970s helped to re-examine and dispel these stereotypes.[3]

While endowed with abundant natural resources, Appalachia has long struggled economically and been associated with poverty. In the early 20th century, large-scale logging and coal mining firms brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but by the 1960s the region had failed to capitalize on any long-term benefits[4] from these two industries. Beginning in the 1930s, the federal government sought to alleviate poverty in the Appalachian region with a series of New Deal initiatives, such as the construction of dams to provide cheap electricity and the implementation of better farming practices. On March 9, 1965, the Appalachian Regional Commission[5] was created to further alleviate poverty in the region, mainly by diversifying the region’s economy and helping to provide better health care and educational opportunities to the region’s inhabitants. By 1990, Appalachia had largely joined the economic mainstream but still lagged behind the rest of the nation in most economic indicators.[3]