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.
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