Buckland’s Book of Gypsy Magic
Travelers’ Stories, Spells, and Healings
Raymond Buckland
ISBN: 9781578634675
Book (Paperback)
To Purchase Book
$16.95
6 x 9
224 pages
B&W photographs & illustrations
May 1, 2010

Over the years there is not one person that is on the path of some type of occult travel that Raymond Buckland’s name has not popped up. I know that for over 25+ years his writings have led me through many travels reading his books!

He has written a countless of books on subject matter ranging from Wicca to Gypsy Magic. Now, with the latest publication, Buckland’s Book of Gypsy Magic;Travelers’ Stories, Spells, and Healings, we are taken a little deeper into the tales of the Gypsy and their magical ways.

Tales and folk lore abound in this book by Buckland. Historical references beginning from the ninth to tenth century to the present giving the reader a brief look into the past of the Gypsy cultural magic and beliefs. The reader is allowed a glimpse into the ways of old that Buckland has wanted to preserve in this book. Which although the historical references are brief the reader walks away with more information and understanding on the way the Gypsy practiced and lived-past and present.

The spells of old are light and some very easy to do. If you are looking for a few love, health and other types of spells this is a good starting point. A long with the spells there is information as to the beliefs and thinking process that went into the various workings.

The fun facts, as I like to call them, were extremely well thought out to go with the section that one was reading. My favorite of the facts was

‘To remove a ring from your finger when you have had it there a number of years is a portent of coming illness.’

There are numerous other quips throughout the book that either can make you think or chuckle. In my case I did both.

In my personal opinion this is a book reminiscent of a few other Gypsy books that Buckland has written(which I own). Yet adding more information and the focus is a little differently portrayed. It is still a wonderfully written book that those of us that have a special place for this writer will enjoy and add to our library.

The book is entertaining and light reading. Easy to follow instructions for spells & workings for those that would like to give them a try.

Would I recommend the purchase of this book? Yes. Even if you are not entertaining the thought of utilizing the spells the material alone will surely allow you more insight and understanding of the Gypsy people and the way they lived, loved and practiced on a compact level.

Red Wheel/Weiser Official Release:

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 hearts 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 fathers and grandfathers tales of Romani life, and watching his grandmother read cards and tell fortunes. Ray is 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 lives in Ohio.