Buckland's Book of Gypsy Magic: Travelers' Stories, Spells, and Healings

by Raymond Buckland

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.

Genres: Witchcraft, Wicca, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Magic, Occult, Divination

218 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Raymond Buckland was a highly influential figure in the development of modern Wicca and the occult in the United States. Born in London, he became interested in the supernatural at an early age and was initiated into the Gardnerian Wiccan tradition in 1963 by Monique Wilson, a high priestess appointed by Gerald Gardner. After emigrating to the U.S. in 1962, Buckland introduced Gardnerian Wicca to the country, founding its first coven in New York in 1964. He later developed his own tradition, Seax-Wica, inspired by Anglo-Saxon paganism, and published The Tree: Complete Book of Saxon Witchcraft to make it accessible to all.
In 1968, he established the first Museum of Witchcraft and Magick in the U.S., which helped normalize and educate the public about Wicca. Over the course of his career, Buckland wrote more than sixty books on Wicca, divination, and the occult, including Witchcraft from the Inside and Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft, both regarded as essential texts in Neopaganism.
Throughout his life, Buckland remained a prolific teacher, writer, and practitioner. He continued to write and teach until his death in 2017, leaving behind a lasting legacy that shaped the spiritual practices of countless Wiccans and Pagans worldwide.

Reviews

[Neil Mach · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably mostly made-up, nevertheless there's some interesting factoids in here and the occasional nugget of wisdom that shines through the muddy claptrap and mumbo jumbo like a long lost gilded ring. Well written (I suppose 'compiled' would be more accurate) it's well presented, well-meaning and well-executed. But consider it to be a reference book that sits upon your shelf waiting to be dipped-into rather than a snuggledown comforter.

[Mary Drover · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great read! This was exactly what I was looking for in the first gypsy magic book that I got, and I’m so pleased with it. The spells in here were well-detailed and very practical. I found myself thinking about the little bits of lore (like finding something red on the ground meant love was in your future) as I went through my day. I earmarked charms that I wanted to try later, highlighted information that I could both use as research for Saints and just for myself, and overall, just found this a very informative, incredibly well written book. There was such a wealth of knowledge in these pages, and I’m definitely marking this as a favorite.

[BLACK CAT · Rating 3 out of 5]

THE BOOK WOULD BE BETTER IF IT HAD MORE FACTS ABOUT THE GYPSIES AND NOT SO MANY RECIPES FOR SPELLS. ----- El libro estaría mejor si hubiera más datos sobre las GITANOS Y NO tantas recetas para los hechizos.

[Emily Trochelman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This gave some insight into the lives of the Gypsy and a few neat little sayings. It's a nice short read that will leave you with new knowledge that isn't particularly useful.

[Nila Ish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book serves as a rich compendium reviving the traditional lore, spellcraft, and healing practices of the Romani people. The book weaves together travelers’ stories, legends, and folk beliefs to offer readers an immersive exploration of Romani magical heritage, emphasizing a deep connection between spirituality, nature, and community.

The text functions both as a cultural document and a practical guide, presenting a wide range of magical practices from hexes and charms to healing rituals, tea leaf readings, and tarot. Buckland approaches these traditions with a reverent tone, aiming to preserve their authenticity while making them accessible to contemporary practitioners and enthusiasts of folk magic. His retelling highlights the creativity and adaptability of Romani magic as a living, evolving tradition shaped by the nomadic and often marginalized experiences of the travelers themselves.

One of the key themes in the book is the intimate link between healing and magic within Romani culture. Buckland shows how spiritual remedies and ritualistic practices serve not only as methods of combating physical ailments but also as ways of addressing social and emotional well-being. This intersection of magic and healing underscores a holistic worldview in which power is rooted in the natural and supernatural interplay.

Moreover, the book presents a respectful portrayal of Romani culture’s often misunderstood and stereotyped practices. By centering the voices and stories of the travelers, Buckland challenges misconceptions and invites readers to appreciate the richness and complexity of the Romani magical tradition as inseparable from their identity and lived experience.

In sum, Buckland’s Book of Gypsy Magic is both a tribute and a practical resource that introduces readers to the spellcraft and healing wisdom of the Romani people, contextualized through evocative storytelling and detailed descriptions of rituals. It offers a window into a vibrant, resilient magical heritage that continues to inspire and inform spiritual seekers today.

[Lili Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. For a book that has a general overview of the Romani and some of their traditions and their magick, it covered most things in decent detail that you will probably find a new interest win the Romani realm. I really enjoyed everything in this book, I particularly enjoyed part 4 on Divination and some of the healings in this book are duely noted. I would recommend this book for anyone looking for something about the Romani that is a good place to start and will give you variety instead of sitting in one topic as most of these topics can be studied and explored (have whole books and books on them on their own) much deeper then this book. Great resource that will be a welcome addiction to my bookshelf.

[Shawn Mcdowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gypsy Magic

I loved this book about a little information about the Rom and some of their beliefs and practices. I highly recommend this book to anyone that is interested in this subject.

[S. L. Mewse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative and interesting!

Enjoyable read. Full I interesting facts about Roma life and beliefs, as well as a mine of information on fortune telling using numerous methods. Definitely worth a read!

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a huge fan of Raymond Buckland but it was a great insight into the world of the Gypsy.

[Advnaresh Advnaresh]

gypsy magic

[Mckinley · Rating 2 out of 5]

A lot about customs and practices - spells, healing, card and palm reading, magic,etc. Less about actual history. Has glossary and bibliography.