Gypsy occult tradition is a mystical and spiritual belief system that has been practiced by various Romani groups throughout history. The Romani people, or Gypsies, are a nomadic ethnic group who originated in Northern India and migrated across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Gypsy occult tradition incorporates elements of ancient Indian spiritual practices, as well as influences from the cultures they encountered during their migrations. It is characterized by a strong belief in magic, fortune-telling, and the power of the supernatural. One essential aspect of the Gypsy occult tradition is divination. Gypsies believe in various methods of predicting the future and gaining insight into someone's life.
Gypsies are nomadic people who probably emerged out of northern India around the 10th century and spread throughout Europe, the British Isles and eventually America. Gypsy tradition has little in the way of its own religious beliefs but is steeped in magic and superstition. From their earliest known appearance in Europe in the 15th century, Gypsies have been renowned practitioners of magical arts, and they undoubtedly influenced folk magic wherever they went. During the renaissance, they were associated with wItches and Witchcraft, and many were persecuted and executed as such. In addition, Gypsies were met with hostility and suspicion from populations wherever they went, which added to their persecution, banishment and deportation. In England, it became unlawful to be a Gypsy in 1530; the law was not repealed until 1784.
Gypsies believed that the owl was the harbinger of death, and if an owl is hooting in the distance then they believed that someone close to them would die. Groome pointed out that there were a vast range of backgrounds amongst the groups labeled as Gypsies, many of whom came from different countries of origin.
Gypsies believe in various methods of predicting the future and gaining insight into someone's life. These methods can include palmistry, tarot card reading, crystal ball gazing, and tea leaf reading. Divination is often performed by skilled practitioners within the community and is considered a significant part of Gypsy culture.
Gypsy Magic
In many cultures, magic is an integral part of everyday life. The group known as the Rom — sometimes referred to as Gypsies – is no exception, and they have a strong and rich magical heritage.
It is important to note that the term gypsy was originally used derogatorily to refer to the ethnic group known as the Romani. The Romani were — and continue to be — a group from Eastern Europe and possibly northern India. The word “gypsy” came from the mistaken notion that the Romani were from Egypt rather than Europe and Asia. The word later became corrupted and was applied to any group of nomadic travellers.
Today, people of Rom descent live in many parts of Europe, including in the United Kingdom. Although they still face widespread discrimination, they manage to hang on to many of their magical and folkloric traditions. Let’s look at some examples of Romani magic that have lasted through the ages.
Folklorist Charles Godfrey Leland studied the Rom and their legends, and wrote extensively on the subject. In his 1891 work, Gypsy Sorcery and Fortune Telling, Leland says that much of the popular Romani magic was dedicated to practical applications – love spells, charms, recovery of stolen property, protection of livestock, and other such things.
Leland says that among Hungarian Gypsies (his terminology), if an animal was stolen, its dung was thrown to the east and then to the west, and the incantation, “Where the sun sees thee, hence return to me!” is uttered. However, if the stolen animal is a horse, the owner takes the horse’s harness, buries it, and makes a fire over it, saying, “Who stole thee, sick he may be, may his strength depart, do not remain by him. Return sound to me, his strength lies here, as the smoke goes away!”
There is also a belief that if you are searching for stolen property, and you encounter willow branches which have grown themselves into a knot, you can take the knot and use it to “bind the thief’s luck.”
Leland explains that the Rom are strong believers in amulets and talismans, and that items carried in one’s pocket – a coin, a stone – become imbued with the characteristics of the bearer. He refers to these as “pocket deities,” and says that certain objects were automatically conferred great power – shells and knives in particular.
Among some Rom tribes, animals and birds are attributed divinatory and prophetic powers. Swallows seem to be popular in these tales. They are considered bringers of luck, and often where the first swallow is seen in the spring, treasure is to be found. Horses too are considered magical – the skull of a horse will keep ghosts out of your house.
Water is considered a source of great magical power, according to Leland. He says it is lucky to meet a woman carrying a full jug of water, but bad luck if the jug is empty. It is a custom to pay homage to the gods of water, the Wodna zena, after filling a jug or a bucket by spilling a few drops on the ground as an offering. In fact, it is considered rude – and even dangerous – to take a drink of water without first paying tribute.
The book Gypsy Folk Tales was published in 1899, by Francis Hindes Groome, a contemporary of Leland’s. Groome pointed out that there were a vast range of backgrounds amongst the groups labeled as “Gypsies,” many of whom came from different countries of origin. Groome distinguished between Hungarian Gypsies, Turkish Gypsies, and even Scottish and Welsh “tinkers”.
Finally, it should be stressed that most Romani magic is rooted not only in the folklore of the culture, but also in the context of the Romani society itself. There are a number of books available in the Neopagan community that purport to teach “Gypsy magic,” but this is not authentic Rom folk magic. In other words, for someone who is not Romani to market the spells and rituals of this particular group is nothing less than cultural appropriation – much like when non-Native Americans attempt to market a practice of Native American spirituality. The Rom tend to view any non-Romani practitioners as outsiders at best, and at worst, as charlatans and frauds.
Source for this article is Patti Wigington, About.com
Source for this article is Patti Wigington, About.com
Another core belief in Gypsy occult tradition is the concept of curses and blessings. Gypsies hold that certain individuals possess the ability to cast curses, and others can offer blessings to protect against these curses. It is believed that curses can bring misfortune and cause illness or death. Blessings, on the other hand, are thought to bring luck, good health, and prosperity. Gypsy occult tradition also places importance on amulets and talismans. These objects are believed to possess magical powers and serve as protection against evil spirits or negative energy. Gypsies often wear or carry amulets with them as a form of spiritual safeguard. Throughout history, Gypsy occult tradition has created a sense of mystique and fascination among outsiders. However, it is essential to approach this tradition with respect and cultural understanding, as it is an integral part of the Romani people's identity and heritage..
Reviews for "The Magic of Gypsy Incense and Aromatherapy"
1. Emma - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with the Gypsy occult tradition. I expected to learn about a rich and ancient spiritual practice, but instead I was met with a mishmash of stereotypes and misinformation. The author seemed to rely on outdated and sensationalized ideas about Gypsies, and it left me feeling frustrated and disrespected. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a genuine understanding of the Gypsy occult tradition.
2. Michael - 1 star
I cannot express how disappointed I am with this book. The Gypsy occult tradition is presented as some kind of mystical and secretive practice, but all I found were vague and generic rituals that could be found in any beginner's guide to witchcraft. There was no depth or nuance to the information provided, and it felt like a missed opportunity to explore a fascinating and often misunderstood spiritual tradition. Save your money and look elsewhere if you're interested in learning about the Gypsy occult tradition.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The information presented was scattered and poorly organized, making it difficult to follow the narrative of the Gypsy occult tradition. Additionally, the author's tone came across as condescending, reinforcing harmful stereotypes about the Romani community. It's a shame because I believe there is value in learning about different spiritual traditions, but this book missed the mark entirely.
4. David - 1 star
I found the Gypsy occult tradition to be nothing more than a mishmash of New Age beliefs and cultural appropriation. The author seemed to cherry-pick elements from various spiritual practices, without offering any meaningful context or understanding of the actual Romani culture. It felt like a shallow attempt to capitalize on the romanticized image of Gypsies without providing any real substance. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for an authentic exploration of the Gypsy occult tradition.