Paula Moore and Barefoot Gypsy

My Metaphysical/Pagan journey began early in life, as a child spending much of my time on my aunt’s farm in Crossville, TN. My grandmother, my mom’s mom, was a healer, a granny witch, root woman, call her what you will, she had a cure for everything! My cousins and I learned quickly not to complain too loudly of an ailment or pain, because Granny was fast with a poultice, tincture, tea or something foul tasting or stinky to rub on or pour in us as a treatment! And it always relieved whatever was going on. She never really sat us down and taught us about it, we had to just pay attention and follow along, stay with her and watch and ask questions. But we were kids, and she was old and well into her 70s, so none of us really learned much of anything. Most of what she did was kept in her head, save the few recipes written in the back of the family Bible by my mother. There were numerous stories about witches and ghosts, and other mountain phenomena while popping beans or shaking buttermilk. Granny was also the area Midwife and assisted the local undertaker with funerals, so she indeed saw much during her life. A childhood like that leaves an impression. My father’s mom was born in the Carpathian Mountains, Polish/Hungarian Gypsy (so now you know, I’m not a Gorger). She had her own form of “knowing” and her own recipes for healing, but she died before I was born, so I know little of her and her journey. I dabbled on and off in the Metaphysical/Pagan world and even spent time in the Christian church trying to find my place. Eventually I found David and we began our search together, taking us from church dance/drama team leaders to program editing for television to missionaries traveling to Romania and Sri Lanka. Nothing seemed to fulfil us for long. We began to visit Wildflowers, a small shop in Couth Charleston and became friends with Carolyn Rexroad, her daughter Carrie and Gael. When Carolyn made the decision to close her shop and move to Charlestown, she presented us with an offer we couldn’t refuse! We truly believe Carolyn’s blessing on our new adventure is the biggest reason for Barefoot Gypsy’s success! We look forward to what lies ahead for BG and count it an honor to be able to do what we do! With so much division and uncertainty in the world, we want to keep BG as a safe and peaceful place. Our purpose is to keep community and comradery as a priority. We have so many plans for the future to help educate others and help them find their own paths. Our hope is that Barefoot Gypsy remains a teaching center, leading people from past condemnations into the freedom of enlightenment.