Hidden Things

30/Lesbian/INTP/Hereditary Witch/Snake Witch/Leo

[ofwoodandbone]

WTF is a braucherei? (Learning something new every day). Thx in advance. :)

The correct term would be braucher. Braucherei is a folk magic tradition of the Pennsylvania Dutch. It’s also known as Powwow. Brauchers are active members of their communities who use their art to heal, protect, bless, and break witchcraft. They act in much the same way that cunning folk acted in Britain. 

[etamina-amata]

And can be annoying as anything for witches. Especially if they go around breaking your stuff purely because they don’t like you, and not because you’re in opposition.

*grumblegrumble* Arsehole brauchers *grumblegrumble*

[thats-howthelightgets-in]

If I have the power to break your shit and I don’t like you, I can and will break your shit! It’s not because you’re a witch, its because you stole my parking spot.

[etamina-amata]

I’m talking about breaking serious things which will cause harm. I know brauchers who will “break shit” like impotence curses on rapists, curses on parents to keep them from abusing their children, spells to keep land fertile — just because a witch did it and they don’t agree with where the spell came from. When you are actively causing others harm over petty shit and philosophical differences I stand with “arsehole brauchers.”

[satsuti]

”Of the folklore I’ve studied, what initiation into witchery often boils down to are some simple components in the European model: The calling, the acceptance, the contract and the gift. […] There were steps to be taken in terms of the initiatory process with a devil/spirit and it all came down to some fundamental components:

- Calling by the spirits: in most regards, the craft is initiatory - even when the initiation is brought about in private by the spirits. Common folklore provides examples of callings in the forms of visitations from the spirits in dreams or in person, or, being spirited away (like Jack and the Witches of Southern lore), or, the sudden revelation of power. This may be a holdover from the time of the witch trial records, but it has since joined the broader folklore of witchcraft. What calls the witch varies from place to place, person to person, culture to culture: in many cases a witch is called by her own ambitions and desires, in other cases he is called by the spirits or demons or wee-folk without much of a choice. The calling is a very personal thing, but once it is heard, it is the first step in pursuing witchcraft.

- Acceptance, or, the renunciation of old oaths: acceptance of the terms and conditions set forth by whatever spirits or gods or coven has called you to the craft. In order to accept the terms of the spirits, traditionally one would then be expected to renounce all former allegiances (washing away the grace, saying the lord’s prayer backwards, the like). After one has rid themselves of old oaths, they are free to promise their soul elsewhere - to spirits, devils, demons or gods.

- Contract, or oath to the spirits/gods: a contract of give-and-take between you and whatever entity has called to you. In folklore, there is a distinct understanding that whoever takes up witchcraft is doing so with the aid of unseen allies and familiars, and these entities have their own demands for the power they give; whether it is to suckle from the witch’s teat or be fed of butter and cream. The contract with the Devil takes the shape of a ritual at sunrise or the signing of one’s name in his book or some other symbolic action of dedication.”

- Folkloric American Witchcraft and the Multicultural Experience, Via Hedera

[rrojasandribbons]

Books About Roma

There are lots of books that have been written about Romani people. In fact, we tend to be well represented in fiction. However, that representation is often one of stereotypes, slurs, and racism. And, due to the rampant misinformation and stereotypes about us, it has been incredibly difficult for a non-Romani audience to distinguish accurate portrayals from stereotyped ones. I’m hoping this list may help that.

Romani Portrayals of Roma in Literature | Good Reads:

The Roads of the Roma: A PEN Anthology of Gypsy Writers

American Gypsy by Oksana Marafioti 

The Lost Country by Luminiţa Mihai Cioabă The Birch Grove by Luminiţa Mihai Cioabă Queen of the Night and Stone Flower by Luminiţa Mihai Cioabă Meralda by Luminiţa Mihai Cioabă 

Katitzi by Katarina Taikon

We Live in Seclusion: The Memoirs of a Romni by Ceija Stojka Travellers on this World by Ceija Stojka Träume ich, dass ich lebe by Ceija Stojka

Auf der ganzen Welt zu Hause by Karl Stojka

Papierene Kinder: Gluck, Zerstorung und Neubeginn einer Roma-Femilie in Osterreich by Mongo Stojka

Zwischen Liebe und Hass. Ein Zigeunerleben by Philomena Franz Zigeunermärchen by Philomena Franz

Gipsy: Die Geschichte einer großen Sinti Familie by Dotschy Reinhardt Everybody’s Gypsy.  Popkultur zwischen Ausgrenzung und Respekt by Dotschy Reinhardt

Devla, devla! by Irena Eliasova

Frosted Mirror by Erika Olahova

Sar o Paj by Hedina Tahirović Sijerčić Romani Women in Canada: Spectrum of the Blue Water by Hedina Tahirović Sijerčić Rromane Paramicha by Hedina Tahirović Sijerčić Dukh by Hedina Tahirović Sijerčić Romani Prince Penga by Hedina Tahirović Sijerčić An Unusual Family by Hedina Tahirović Sijerčić Karankochi-Kochi by Hedina Tahirović Sijerčić How God Made the Roma by Hedina Tahirović Sijerčić The Fish by Hedina Tahirović Sijerčić Four Brothers by Hedina Tahirović Sijerčić Romany Legends by Hedina Tahirović Sijerčić ROM Like Thunder by Hedina Tahirović Sijerčić Roads Without Caravans by Mateo Maximoff Eve’s Garden by Glenda Bailey-Mershon Polttava tie by Veijo Baltzar

Disrupting the Nation by Ethel Brooks

The Color of Smoke by Menyhert Lakatos

Fires in the Dark by Louise Doughty Stone Cradle by Louise Doughty

The Living Fire by Ronald Lee Goddam Gypsy by Ronald Lee We Are the Romani People by Ian Hancock Danger! Educated Gypsy by Ian Hancock A History of the Romani People by Ian Hancock & Hristo Kyuchukov The Heroic Present by Ian Hancock & Jan Yoors

We are the Roma! by Valeriu Nicolae

Informative Literature by non-Roma:

All Change!: Romani Studies through Romani Eyes by Damian Le Bas

Gypsy Law by Walter Otto Weyrauch

Romani Routes by Carol Silverman

The Gypsies by Jan Yoors

And the Violins Stopped Playing by Alexander Ramati

Journeys into Memory: Romani Identity and the Holocaust in Autobiographical Writing by German and Austrian Romanies by Marianne Christine Zwicker

Mediocre Portrayals of Roma in Literature:

Bury Me Standing by Isabel Fonseca

The Nazi Persecution of the Gypsies by Guenter Lewy

I Met Lucky People by Yaron Matras The Romani Gypsies by Yaron Matras

Between Two Fires by Alaina Lemon

A History of the Gypsies by David Crowe

The Gypsies by Angus Fraser

Gypsies: Wanderers of the World by Bart McDowell

The Roma Cafe by Istvan Pogany

Gypsy Boy by Mikey Walsh

Dosha by Sonia Meyer

Yokki and the Parno Gry by Katherine Quarmby & Richard O’Neill No Place to Call Home by Katherine Quarmby Romani Pilgrims by Katherine Quarmby

Romani Culture and Gypsy Identity by Thomas Acton

Bad, Racist, & Outright Inaccurate Portrayals of Roma in Literature:

Gypsy Wisdom, Spells, Charms & Folklore by Denise Alvarado

The Gypsies by Charles Leland Gypsy Sorcery and Fortune Telling by Charles Leland

The Gypsy Lifestyle by John McLaughlin

The Rom: Walking in the Paths of the Gypsies by Roger Moreau Your Ancient Gypsy Guide to Wild Sex by Roger Moreau

Gypsy Talk by Dennis Marlock

Zoli by Column McCann

Guy Mannering by Sir Walter Scott

Gypsy Feast by Carol Wilson

Gypsy Folk Tales by Diane Tong Gypsies by Diane Tong

The Diddakoi by Rumer Godden

The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo

Along the Enchanted Way by William Blacker

Thinner by Stephen King

Little Money Street by Fernanda Eberstadt

The Romany Rye by George Henry Borrow Lavengro by George Henry Borrow Romano Lavo-lil by George Henry Borrow

Mulengro by Charles de Lint

Romani Ways by G.E.C. Webb

Gypsy at Heart by Ellen Dugan

Gypsy by Trisha Leigh

The Gipsies by Francis Hindes Groome In Gipsy Tents by Francis Hindes Groome Gypsy Folk Tales by Francis Hindes Groome Gipsy Folk Tales: A Missing Link by Francis Hindes Groome The Influence of the Gypsies on the Superstitions of the English Folk by Francis Hindes Groome

Poor Janos: A Tale of Hungarian Gipsy Life by Frank Elemeny

Coffee, Tea, the Gypsy & Me by Caroline James

The Gypsies: Wanderers in Time by Katherine Esty

Sarah of the Romani: A Thriller by Tom Calen

Secrets of the Gypsies by Pierre Derlon

Les Tziganes by J. Clebert

The European by John Geipel

Acquittal by Serenity Valle

Books Written by non-Romani Fraudsters:

Gypsy Energy Secrets by Milana Perepyolkina

Gypsy Magic by Patrinella Cooper*

Dogstown by Lee Fuhler

Romany by Gypsy Putelengro A Romany Life by Gypsy Putelengro

The Roots of Health by Leon Putelengro Romany Boy by Leon Putelengro

Buckland’s Book of Gypsy Magic by Raymond Buckland Gypsy Witchcraft by Raymond Buckland Secrets of Gypsy Fortune Telling by Raymond Buckland Secrets of Gypsy Love Magick by Raymond Buckland The Buckland Romani Tarot by Raymond Buckland Gypsy Dream Reading by Raymond Buckland Gypsy Dream Dictionary by Raymond Buckland

Gypsy Magic: For the Prosperity’s Soul by Allie Theiss Gypsy Magic: For the Lover’s Soul by Allie Theiss

Drab Lil: A Gypsy’s Medicine Book by Clarissa Simmens Madame Sosostris Explains by Clarissa Simmens

*Patrinella Cooper actually does have direct ties to Romani culture and is said to be ethnically Roma, but completely fabricated the information in her book.

Just a Note:

I have intentionally left out quite a few books written by non-Roma about Roma during the Holocaust because I have not read many such books, and do not feel I could judge their accuracy or objectivity without actually reading them.

However, I will gladly take suggestions for any listed categories if anyone has read a book not listed above.

[cervines]

[etamina-amata]

So, it’s been about five years since I followed through with initiation. Reversed baptism, waited at a railroad crossing camped out for a week , blood , sweat, fasting, silver coin buried at the crossing etc etc. did a few other things that I don’t need to share since they aren’t what this question is about. Just kept doing things that I was okay with doing until I had the dream where I gave my old self up.

Anyways I was pretty faithful in a daily relationship/practice with (Man in Black) and other spirits and with what I felt was important at the time but I ended up having some really bad mental health and substance abuse problems. I stopped doing anything other than getting high.

I lost my home and job and got hospitalized etc. I’m doing good now clean and sober for a few years and back on the land where I used to be. Good job and confident in recovery but in that whole time I have not done anything and tried to put it out of my mind because I felt guilty about abandoning any and all practice and relationship with him and anything across the veil , like I ran away in the night if that makes sense

Do you have any suggestions on how to bridge the gap ? I feel like I need to make amends to Him and the others. I’m in a good enough spot now to try to rebuild but I just feel like shit having spent so many years trying to decide whether to initiate and then following through and then yes albeit due to my mental health decline and other shit, I still feel like I shit on the relationship and didn’t deliver on my end. Do you have any ideas or could you please give a suggestion or what you would do if you were in my shoes? Thanks

Questions are why I keep my ask box open. I want to help people!

First off, I want to congratulate you for getting clean. That’s a tough thing to do. More than that, you’re trying to repair things which is great.

As a first step, you need to be right with you, which it sounds like you’re trying to be. That’s great.

My first step would be to look over the deal you made. Have you violated it in any way? Or have you just been ignoring it? If you have violated it, then you will need to offer some kind of punishment. If you’ve just been ignoring your spirits, then you simply need to begin showing them that A) You are back B) You actually care and C) You’re going to stick around.

That last one is important. You may well get ignored for awhile until you show consistency and commitment. You drifted from and broke down a relationship and work will need to be done to rebuild it. However, do not do one big gesture and think it would be enough. You need to restablish that you’re going to be there. Grand gestures are easy in comparison to showing up.

[etamina-amata]

can you talk a little bit more on prices? what you think a price should be / is, for animism or in general, etc etc? anything rly, im just curious now

Animism doesn't have a price. Animism is so old as to be part of nearly every culture at some point, if not every culture. The price in traditional witchcraft, is the price you are willing to pay for what you want. The Witch's Sixpence is the original price for pacting and becoming a witch, and one that is negotiated between the prospective witch and their initiating spirits. It's not the same. It can be any form of service or sacrifice.

There is no real "should be," it is individual and should remain so. What someone is willing and able to give, the price they want to set, is not and should not be standardized.

As for magic having a price, sometimes the witch is aware what the price will be for what they are doing, and sometimes, if they are not aware, they accept that there are consequences to what they are doing.

[etamina-amata]

Press On Magic

I know I’m more traditional, but....

Press on nails as spell drops. Someone warding their property metaphysically against you, like an ex? Pop off a press on somewhere they won’t notice, something tied to you physically is on the property, so they can’t ward you out. 

Also, for breaking bad habits or reducing something. Wear a set for a few days, and pop them off one by one to reduce a bad habit or an urge, until you’re free of all ten nails. 

I shouldn’t have to explain glamoury uses...

But also wlw/sapphic love spell draws for the femmes out there. 

[etamina-amata]

I have an interest in witchcraft but I don’t know much do you have any basic knowledge?

My entire blog is about witchcraft, so yes I have knowledge. However, I think what you need to look into is types of witchcraft. I am a very specific sort of witch. There are other, totally valid paths, which may be helpful for basic knowledge or passing interest.

That said, my kind of witchcraft is inherently animistic. It is about building relationships with spirits for knowledge and power, and then using that knowledge and power to make changes you need or wish to see. In my tradition, all witchcraft has a cost. If you have further questions, my askbox is always open.

[etamina-amata]

So I got in a fight today... [On titles and respect]

I got in an argument today {offline] with a Wiccan. I want to be clear therefore that this post is not anti-Wicca before I begin. I know little about actual Wicca, and I make no claim all adherents are like this. Clear? Okay. 

 It started with a trip to the local metaphysical shop. Now, due to my disability, I can’t drive, so my dad takes me after he gets off work.  This is not strange, though usually we go on weekends, but this is a special situation. I go immediately for what I need while Dad browses.He picks up a few things, I get my stuff, and  an encounter starts.

Wiccan [to Dad]: You know, she should pick out her own ingredients. 

Dad [confused, gestures]: Uh…she is?

Wiccan: I think it’s great you are being supportive but you shouldn’t buy your wife things like herbs as gifts. She has to be in tune with them.

Dad: That’s my daughter, and these are for me.

Wiccan: You shouldn’t mock the Goddess that way!

Dad: By buying black walnut and mugwort?

Wiccan: Men can’t practice witchcraft!

Dad *walks away*

Wiccan: Don’t you turn away from me because I call you out on your behaviour!  Men can’t practice magic!

Me: Which is it? Men can’t practice witchcraft or men can’t practice magic?

Wiccan: They’re the same thing!

Me: According to what tradition?

Wiccan: All Wicca states that they are the same thing.

And at this point, we just bought our stuff and walked out, because getting into a reall fight never helps anyone, but I want to address some things here.

1. Magic =/= witchcraft. There are many people who do practice magic who would be and are highly offended if you call them witches. 

2. Not all traditions follow the same rules. Your tradition may have rules others do not. 

3. It is a matter of respect to afford people titles that they have earned within their traditions. It is also a matter of respect to refer to people in the way they wish to be referred to. If a spaewife doesn’t want to be called a witch because within her tradition she is not a witch…you don’t call her a witch just because your tradition would call what she does witchcraft. Likewise, my tradition is very strict on who can be called a witch. However, if a Wiccan calls themselves a witch and is a witch in their tradition, I will refer to them that way. It doesn’t matter if she is not what my tradition would call a witch. 

Basic fucking respect people. My dad is a 65 year old man who has been pacted for decades. He’s been practicing longer than that woman was born. You do not get to tell someone else that they are not something just because your tradition has different rules.

[palmistress-deactivated20240421]

Holy fuck the fact that people like this a) exist and b) have the sheer BALLS to do this?? Appalling. Really. “ You do not get to tell someone else that they are not something just because your tradition has different rules. “ Fuckin’ leave people be man. So judgmental.  So sorry this happened to you and your dad OP, but awesome that he is supportive of your beliefs (my dad is to a point, he’s yet to go into a store and buy mugwort for me, but he did pick up my cauldron from the post office so that’s something lmao)

[etamina-amata]

Haha. He’s not “supportive of my beliefs” was the point. I mean, he is...but he also practices. He pacted as a witch in 1976. He learned our tradition his whole life. He was buying mugwort and black walnut for his own thing, not to be supportive of me. I was over at one of the cases getting my own stuff.

[guerrillatech]

[qedavathegrey]

Okay, calling some elder(ish) witches: I need your help remembering.

The year was 2010 and there was a witchcraft forum. It was pink/lilac and very Wiccan. I know y'all remember it. It was the witchcraft forum of its time. Asking because I was kicked off several times and I want to see if it's still preserved so I can laugh.

[etamina-amata]

I think I went away from witchcraft on the internet by then. I know it wasn’t Witch Vox which was my first attempt at braving the witch internet in like...2002 or so.

[etamina-amata]

So I got in a fight today... [On titles and respect]

I got in an argument today {offline] with a Wiccan. I want to be clear therefore that this post is not anti-Wicca before I begin. I know little about actual Wicca, and I make no claim all adherents are like this. Clear? Okay. 

 It started with a trip to the local metaphysical shop. Now, due to my disability, I can’t drive, so my dad takes me after he gets off work.  This is not strange, though usually we go on weekends, but this is a special situation. I go immediately for what I need while Dad browses.He picks up a few things, I get my stuff, and  an encounter starts.

Wiccan [to Dad]: You know, she should pick out her own ingredients. 

Dad [confused, gestures]: Uh...she is?

Wiccan: I think it’s great you are being supportive but you shouldn't buy your wife things like herbs as gifts. She has to be in tune with them.

Dad: That’s my daughter, and these are for me.

Wiccan: You shouldn’t mock the Goddess that way!

Dad: By buying black walnut and mugwort?

Wiccan: Men can’t practice witchcraft!

Dad *walks away*

Wiccan: Don’t you turn away from me because I call you out on your behaviour!  Men can’t practice magic!

Me: Which is it? Men can’t practice witchcraft or men can’t practice magic?

Wiccan: They’re the same thing!

Me: According to what tradition?

Wiccan: All Wicca states that they are the same thing.

And at this point, we just bought our stuff and walked out, because getting into a reall fight never helps anyone, but I want to address some things here.

1. Magic =/= witchcraft. There are many people who do practice magic who would be and are highly offended if you call them witches. 

2. Not all traditions follow the same rules. Your tradition may have rules others do not. 

3. It is a matter of respect to afford people titles that they have earned within their traditions. It is also a matter of respect to refer to people in the way they wish to be referred to. If a spaewife doesn’t want to be called a witch because within her tradition she is not a witch...you don’t call her a witch just because your tradition would call what she does witchcraft. Likewise, my tradition is very strict on who can be called a witch. However, if a Wiccan calls themselves a witch and is a witch in their tradition, I will refer to them that way. It doesn’t matter if she is not what my tradition would call a witch. 

Basic fucking respect people. My dad is a 65 year old man who has been pacted for decades. He’s been practicing longer than that woman was born. You do not get to tell someone else that they are not something just because your tradition has different rules.

[horrorlesbians]

everytime I remember that lesbian couple that have a marble statue of the two of them embracing and sleeping on a bed together over where their graves will be because the artists didn’t believe they would be able to be married before they died, so what they couldn’t have in life they could have in death, I fucking breakdown

[horrorlesbians]

memorial to a marriage; patricia cronin

[horrorlesbians]

“on july 24th, 2011- the first day that same sex marriage was legal in new york state, particia cronin and deborah kass got married. that same year the marble ‘memorial to a marriage’ was replaced with a bronze version. rainwater pools in the space between their two sculpted bodies, and falling leaves catch on the metal in the autumn. the two women sleep peacefully through snow and ice, and the scorching days of summer. over time the hands of cemetery visitors will wear down the bronze, burnishing it into a smooth shine. one day this will mark the final resting place of the two women. and someday people will have to remember that there was a time, long ago, when this was a memorial to a marriage that two women never thought they’d have.” 

- Caitlin Doughty, on the Death in the Afternoon podcast

[shadows-of-avalon]

Stitchy Witches!!

A question for you: Do you use your stitchcraft in your witchcraft—i.e. Use knitting/crochet/embroidery/etc. as a tool in your craft?

I’m asking because I’m a knitter of over 13 years and dabble in crochet. I’m curious as to if you use your handmade items in your spiritual practice?

It’s always mentioned that knitting/crochet are very meditative crafts, but do you use them for any other spiritual things?

Personally, I’ve made some nice pouches for my Tarot decks and altar cloths/doilies, but I’m considering branching out to designing wearables around specific intentions (perhaps for ritual-wear? Hmm?). For example, compiling a handful of stitch patterns that emulate each of the elements into a shawl to wear during ritual, or designing a sweater around protection, etc.

Have any of you thought about or played around with this concept? What are your findings? If not, are you considering it now? How will you approach it?

Thank you for entertaining my curiosity!

[etamina-amata]

Absolutely, and this has a very long tradition in folklore. Just spinning and weaving has huge amounts. Knitting and crochet is relatively newer, but still used. Lace knitting being used to trap evil spirits, the importance of doilies, tying a work in a crochet chain, folklore behind the “sweater curse” and to have at least one imperfection in every piece are all just pieces of this!

[tadpoling-deactivated20220615]

I absolutely love this and it’s something I want to look more into from the folklore aspect... Another interesting angle could be incorporating knot magic or adjusted forms of it. The numerology-meets-textiles overlap intrigues me.

[etamina-amata]

Here’s a post I made in the past about similar ideas.

https://etamina-amata.tumblr.com/post/168022088932/the-twisted-yarn

[etamina-amata]

Hi I just wanted to let you know that those joy of satan asks have been circulating recently because they are recruiting again, and counting on people not knowing the specifics of their organization.

They are neo nazis full stop, using satanist language to recruit unsuspecting pagans.

The fact that they would target me is hilarious. My lesbian, disabled half-Romani ass is so anti-Nazi it's hilarious.

For the record,

FUCK NAZIS.

[dykearthurmorgan]

the trope of 'this entity exists only because we think it does' is so so so fucking good and cannot be overdone in my opinion

like the idea that you built the monster hunting you, that you invited the entity into our world, that your fear is what it feeds on, and that once made real, it cannot possibly be killed because you're stuck in this loop of 'he's real because i'm scared' and 'i'm scared because he's real'

[etamina-amata]

My problem with this is when it devolves into tinkerbell theology. I’m fine with thoughtforms and tulpas and creating your own demons. My only issue is when this extends out too far to spirits and deities.

[shadows-of-avalon]

Stitchy Witches!!

A question for you: Do you use your stitchcraft in your witchcraft—i.e. Use knitting/crochet/embroidery/etc. as a tool in your craft?

I’m asking because I’m a knitter of over 13 years and dabble in crochet. I’m curious as to if you use your handmade items in your spiritual practice?

It’s always mentioned that knitting/crochet are very meditative crafts, but do you use them for any other spiritual things?

Personally, I’ve made some nice pouches for my Tarot decks and altar cloths/doilies, but I’m considering branching out to designing wearables around specific intentions (perhaps for ritual-wear? Hmm?). For example, compiling a handful of stitch patterns that emulate each of the elements into a shawl to wear during ritual, or designing a sweater around protection, etc.

Have any of you thought about or played around with this concept? What are your findings? If not, are you considering it now? How will you approach it?

Thank you for entertaining my curiosity!

[etamina-amata]

Absolutely, and this has a very long tradition in folklore. Just spinning and weaving has huge amounts. Knitting and crochet is relatively newer, but still used. Lace knitting being used to trap evil spirits, the importance of doilies, tying a work in a crochet chain, folklore behind the “sweater curse” and to have at least one imperfection in every piece are all just pieces of this!