Centre For Pagan Studies

Gypsy Magic

juliepay — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 14:14:20 +0000

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

Conference Review By Lucya

juliepay — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 17:55:32 +0000

This is taken from Lucya’s blog http://www.badwitch.co.uk/ The beautiful altar pieces in the photograph above took pride of place at the front of the stage at the Charge of the Goddess Conference in London on September 13. The items all belonged to Doreen Valiente, the Mother of Wicca and Gerald Gardner’s High Priestess. She was also the author of The Charge of the Goddess – the most famous set of lines from the Wiccan Book of Shadows as well as writing the influential books Natural Magic, Witchcraft for Tomorrow and An ABC of Witchcraft Past and Present.

The unofficial name of the conference was A Day for Doreen – it was to honour and remember Doreen Valiente, 10 years after her death, in September 1999. It was organised by John Belham-Payne of the Centre for Pagan Studies, of which Doreen was a patron. She bequeathed him all of her magical items, including those in the picture above, and asked him to carry out her funeral rite. This was a small event, so John promised to do a Day for Doreen so that everyone who loved her, knew her or respected her work could celebrate her life and remember her.

To be honest, even the sizeable venue of London’s Conway Hall wasn’t large enough to hold everyone who wanted to take part in the Day for Doreen. I was extremely lucky to get a ticket, as they sold out well before the event.

I am so glad I was there – not only to honour an incredible woman, but also to hear the illustrious speakers on the day. These included: Professor Ron Hutton, author of The Triumph of the Moon: A History of Modern Pagan Witchcraft; Marian Green, a close friend of Doreen and the author of A Witch Alone: Thirteen Moons to Master Natural Magic; Ralph Harvey, a former member of Doreen’s coven; Maxine Sanders, co-founder of Alexandrian Wicca with Alex Sanders; Fred Lamond, a Wiccan who is active in interfaith work and the author of Religion without Beliefs; and Janet Farrar, friend of Doreen and author of A Witches’ Bible with Gavin Bone, co-author of The Pagan Path: The Wiccan Way of Life. These people are probably the most influential Wiccans alive today and it was extremely moving to hear them talk about their memories of her and her legacy for modern pagans.

John Belham-Payne also spoke about his memories of Doreen, his work with the Centre for Pagan Studies and future plans. These include a museum in Sussex to house the items Doreen entrusted to him and to continue the work of the centre.

Newsletter Yule 2012

juliepay — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 16:54:38 +0000

Centre For Pagan Studies

A WORD FROM JOHN BELHAM-PAYNE

Our big announcement in this issue is that we are very excited at Valiente Towers to announce our 2 new trustees. Ronald Hutton Professor of History at Bristol University and Rufus Harrington. Most of you know the work Ronald has been involved in for many years. His books are part of the established libraries and [...]

On the 16th of September at this years Conference we also launched the Doreen Valiente Foundation Membership. Having now established ourselves a s a charity, the next step was to offer the chance for people to support what we have been doing all these years and get the museum opened. We had several people who [...]

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CFPS DAILY READ ALL ABOUT IT!

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CFPS CONFERENCE 2012 UPDATE

‘A Day with Ronald Hutton and friends’ September 16th 2012’ Another fantastic conference again this year and despite the noble professor’s reluctance to have the day titled ‘A day For Ronald Hutton’ everyone that I spoke to was very glad to see him as the central theme, rather than the main speaker. For us it [...]

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THE MUSEUM/STUDY CENTRE AND BEYOND

We are currently involved in helping a number of museums with a temporary exhibition of some of the Doreen Valiente collection in a Folklore context. While in the UK for the September Conference, John and Julie met up with the curator and staff at Bexhill-on-Sea and Brighton and Hove museums for this purpose. We are [...]

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Have a nice read!

Best witches,

John and the team

A WORD FROM JOHN BELHAM-PAYNE

juliepay — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 15:57:31 +0000

This edition has a different look to our other newsletters. Our layout artist Esme Knight is away on a well earned break, so it is down to me. It will also be lighter on content because everyone is away this week. So it has all come down to me to put the newsletter together. Ashley is in Egypt, Paul and most of the team from Greenmantle are in the South Carolina. So first I would like thank to everyone concerned over my broken leg. I had my second operation and I am still full of metal and screws. It looks as though a walking stick will be a permanent part of my ever fashion conscious wardrobe from now on. The damage will never properly heal unfortunately. Luckily Doreen Valiente had a couple of walking sticks that are just the right size, so for now I will be using one of those. 2013 will be a very exciting year for the CFPS and the Doreen Valiente Foundation, so read on. In our next newsletter we will have a report on the progress with the museum and study centre. In January we have some very high profile meetings that will move the project to the next level. We are all very excited about this. The spring edition of the newsletter will be the last that we send out to our random list of contacts. We have to send out a newsletter to all the people that have joined the Doreen Valiente Foundation as supporters so unfortunately only those that have joined. So fill in the form and support us please. Please look at our prospectus attached. The more people that support what we are doing the faster the museum will open. I make no apologies, this newsletter is about raising the profile and money for the museum and study centre but as well as asking for donations we want you to be involved.

CFPS DAILY READ ALL ABOUT IT!

juliepay — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 15:22:55 +0000

Julie has organised a daily on line newspaper that you can download. It goes out every afternoon (cause we know you like a lie in) with different stories from around the world. The CFPS DAILY carries articles that may be of interest to other pagans. ‘We have many contributors and would love more to get involved’ said Julie. This is a completely unique newspaper, just a small another contribution from us to you. Extra, Extra, Read all about it. http://paper.li/witchJuan/1335717530

CFPS CONFERENCE 2012 UPDATE

juliepay — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 15:02:44 +0000

‘A Day with Ronald Hutton and friends’ September 16^th 2012’

Another fantastic conference again this year and despite the noble professor’s reluctance to have the day titled ‘A day For Ronald Hutton’ everyone that I spoke to was very glad to see him as the central theme, rather than the main speaker. For us it has been special to be able to have such a day to celebrate the lives of some of our leading figures. Of course the inevitable question now is ‘who are we going to honour next?’ Well we are working on a Northern Conference for the Spring of 2013, but for a while we have too much to be getting on with the museum, study centre and the launch of our ethical publishing company. So to Ronald, the other speakers, the panel and all those that supported the day we wish to thank you very much and we will see you soon. Perhaps even in our own venue! Certainly watch this space.

Ralph Harvey

juliepay — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 11:48:21 +0000

Ralph Harvey Pagan Excorcist

Greenmantle Magazine

juliepay — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 18:36:32 +0000

A magazine covering all aspects of Paganism, the Occult.
Cost per issue is £3.50
Subs are £6 for 2 issues.
Cheques/Postal Orders should be made payable to: Paul Pearson.
Flat 2, 1 Dover Rd, Brighton BN1 6LP

Candlemas or Imbolc

juliepay — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 18:51:34 +0000

Sun and fire warm the earth At Old Candlemas returning. Through the long night see it shine, Magic in the thin flames burning.
In the clouded vault of heaven, Jewelled stars that sparkle clear, Dance in their eternal measure through the changes of the year.
Snowdrops through the frozen mould Force a greanleaf blade again, While above the brances bare Shake in freezing wind and rain.
Crouched upon the cottage floor, See the witch that eyes the flames, Whispering as the candles burn, Naming age-old pagan names.
Primal powers of Death and Life, Called on by her invocation, Viewless presences draw near, As she weaves the incantation.
Knotting in the witches’ cord The immortal spells that bind, Through the winter and the dark, Love to Life and Hope to Mind.

Doreen Valiente.

Where Witchcraft Lives

juliepay — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 09:37:14 +0000

A classic title re-released as a numbered limited edition of 1000

First printed in 1962, UK This little gem of a book, Doreen’s first ever writing, should really be treated as an historical document. Doreen researches and presents many folklore and witchcraft practices which had hitherto been consigned to a hidden world. In the book Doreen describes herself as a ‘student of witchcraft’ though at the time of writing she was a high priestess. She never stopped investigating and honing her own craft.
“I only just scratched the surface,” she said to John Belham-Payne shortly before she died.
The Centre For Pagan Studies has now released this edition with the help of Ronald Hutton, Brighton Museum and Sussex Archaeological Society, as a foundation for the Doreen Valiente Trust which will look after all her artefacts and manuscripts for future generations. All proceeds of the book go to the Doreen Valiente Trust and the future museum that will exhibit her world famous collection.