This guide is intended to provide a brief overview of Romani culture as it relates to magick. It is also intended to hopefully shed some light on the massive amount of lies in the metaphysical category regarding gypsy magick.

Let me first begin by telling you that gypsies have no connection to Wicca. They are two entirely different systems. While it is true that many of the Romani practices have parallels with those of other traditional pagan cultures, there is absolutely no connection between Wicca and traditional gypsy magick. That said, if you read a listing that says they acquired a piece of jewelery from a gypsy who practiced Wicca--they are lying, plain and simple.

The Gypsies, who call themselves Rom or Romani, are a nomadic culture which originated in India. They were persecuted by the Nazis, and are discriminated against to this day, with many people still clinging to stereotypes....especially on Ebay. History has seen the Rom people persecuted for many reasons. The term "gypsy" was applied to the Roma by outsiders, most likely in the mistaken belief that they had their origins in Egypt. Some people today take it to be pejorative, and most Romani prefer to be referenced as Rom or Romani and not gypsy. Much like American Indians, the Rom culture has been exploited and subject to countless misconceptions by the uneducated and uninformed. The Rom have always been a source of fascination by the gaje, or non-gypsy because of their occult history and expertise in magick, charms, and herb magick.

Most sellers on Ebay who are selling "gypsy witch" items are doing so under false pretenses and in a way that is completely disrespectful or against the beliefs of the Romani people. There are several people on Ebay who are selling authentic Romani items, but they can be counted on one hand and they are selling true Rom items such as magick dice, horseshoes, and herbal blends. They are not selling "gypsy witch haunted rings" and other nonsense.

I have been fortunate to have several authentic Romani metaphysical items in my collection. It is easy to spot an object that is a fake versus one that may be real. First of all, if a seller is claiming that they received a bunch of "gypsy witch" items from their deceased Hungarian aunt, and they are brand new silver rings....it's a lie. It should go without saying that traditional gypsy jewelry that has been passed down should be VINTAGE. Authentic gypsy jewelry is also most likely to be tribal with it's origins in the East. Shiny, sparkly jewelery that looks like it came from the latest Sears catalog is probably not jewelery that was left behind by a ninety year old Romanian gypsy. Common sense will save you heaps of money and disappointment in the metaphysical category.  I would also add that it highly unlikely that any person of Rom descent would be selling their beloved grandmothers jewelery stash on Ebay under a guise of lies about their own culture and customs. 

The Rom culture is a fascinating and beautiful one and it deserves respect and reverence, not further spreading of stereotypes and lies. Yes, there are authentic Rom "haunted" magickal items in the world, but they are just as rare as other haunted or magickally affected items. I have only offered one or two at auction in all my time on Ebay.

Be smart, do your research, and use common sense. It's amazing what some sellers will do for 99 cents.

Blessings,

Meena