Weaving together lore, legend, and belief, Buckland’s Book of Gypsy Magic revives the spell-craft and healing wisdom of the Romani people. From hexes and healings to tea leaves and tarot, the circle of the family and the rituals of death, this enchanting volume will delight witches, folklorists, and history lovers alike. Learn the shuvani’s secrets for love, craft a talisman for vitality, and cast the Gypsy Seven tarot spread.
Join Buckland around the campfire, to hear stories of werewolves and vampires, mistaken identity, persecution, and perseverance. Learn how the gypsy people have for centuries used wisdom and enchantments to ensure good health, happy families, and heart’s desire. Includes a glossary of Romani terms.
From the book:
Pay Down the Devil
Romanian Gypsies have a tradition of paying off the devil at a wedding, so that he will not put the evil eve on the marriage. This is accomplished by the bride placing a silver coin under her left arm and holding it there, with her arm tight against her body, for the duration of the ceremony. Then, as she and her new husband leave the wedding site, she will allow the coin to fall inconspicuously to the ground. Anyone who later finds the coin will enjoy seven years of good fortune, they say.
Raymond Buckland’s grandfather was the first of the Buckland Gypsies to give up traveling the roads in wagons and to settle into a permanent house. From his earliest years, Ray remembers listening to his father’s and grandfather’s tales of Romani life, and watching his grandmother read cards and tell fortunes. Ray was the author of more than fifty books on occult, magic, witchcraft, and paranormal subjects and is popularly known as “The Father of American Wicca.” He passed away in 2017. (Photo Credit: Gregory Ford)
Book (Paperback)
Weiser Books
6 x 9
224 pages
B&W photographs & illustrations
May 1, 2010
