ROMANI WITCHCRAFT

Romani Witchcraft

an 18 page exhaustive
Dr Raven Dolick MsD/Chovihano
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written from us, to us and BY US! about us!
the only way to our truths, romanip`en, traditional values and ethnic life style is to work and seat next to us shoulder to shoulder.

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The essence of Romany Witchcraft - or more properly Sorcery - is in the mindset born from the nomadic way of life and the resultant eclectic culture. Preserving Shamanic traditions from India, the Sorcery of the Near East, and ancient Eurasian and Western European beliefs and practices, Romani tribes can be said to be a major source and conduit of magical tradition for those who practiced Historical Witchcraft. Traveling throughout Eurasia and beyond, and adopting local traditions, they can be regarded as important carriers in the transmission of ideas throughout the history of Witchcraft.
Some caveats are first needed before we proceed however. As observed by skeptics, Romani and Gadjo alike, most Romanis do NOT practice magic or fortune telling, or any of the other stereotypical habits of Gypsies. Even whole tribes have lost the art. However some tribes in every nation do contain, in varying degrees, clans that specialize in sorcery. For example amongst the British Romanichal and Welsh Kale tribes the Lee and Stokes clans are believed to contain many hereditary sorcerers (hence the number of fortune tellers who adopt this surname).
The practice of sorcery is a closely guarded secret revealed only to the initiated, even within Romani society, and so many do not know their own heritage (particularly in the modern westernized state). However all Romanis know the Bari Hukni, or 'Great Trick', the deception required in order to survive in a hostile environment. The first manifestation of which being the 'lie' that the Gypsies were on a seven year Christian pilgrimage in Europe, and so had the right to freedom of movement. All 'Christian' Romani wore crosses, but called them 'Trushul', derived from Trishula, the Trident of Shiva (symbolizing birth, life and death). The making of a sign of a cross to ward off evil was also used by Romanis, some say they introduced it and that it has nothing to do with a crucifix. From this 'Great Trick' was spawned the many 'little tricks' (the origin of huckstering from hukni?), which ranged from poaching (from poachy, Rom for pocket), to fake 'fortune telling', or Dukkerin, and 'magical' confidence tricks (such as treasure finding or curse removal). Due to this most Romani regard magic as a mere trick for Gadjos.
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The Origins and Culture of the Romani
Before exploring Romani Sorcery directly in practical terms it will be useful to explore the origins of the Romanis, as a possible clue to their cultural and magical roots which are still mysterious and controversial.

Proto-Gypsies and Synthesis
Just over half of the Romani population shows evidence of North Indian origin according to genetic studies and their language is closely related to Sanskrit and Hindustani (about a 75% similarity has been demonstrated). However this is complicated by the fact that Romani culture is generally closer to Semitic culture than to Indian, and in particular Jewish culture with its Kosher rules. At the same time it also contains western Indo-European features. Recently scholars have observed that this combination was also typical of the Mitanni culture of Anatolia and Syria in 1500 BC, the ancestors of the Kurds, a mixed Indo-Persian aristocracy in a Semitic Amorite culture, overlain on a non-Semitic Hurrian grassroots, whose dominant language was almost identical to the Aryan Sanskrit variant originally spoken by its ruling class.
The ancient Hurrian tribes were also renowned metal workers (they taught the Sumerians the art of working copper) as well as sought after trainers and dealers of horses, much like the Romani were. They were also known for their sorcery. The coincidence is too much for many, thus the reality perhaps involves a series of migrations and cultural exchanges between Anatolia and the Indus Valley. The Romani people probably emerged from this melting pot. The Romani language contains many militaristic terms, indicating they were a nomadic warrior caste at some stage. Thus the orthodox Indian origin of the Roma is now challenged.
The Mitanni are also interesting in that their capital is believed by many scholars to have been the biblical Harran, city of the Moon God Sin. Thus is interesting for two reasons, firstly Harran is said to be the original home of the pagan Sabian and Yezidi Cults, and secondly it was not only the first place Adam and Eve arrived when they left Eden, according to Chaldean mythology, but also the biblical location from where Abraham gathered his tribal followers and began his journey into Canaan and Egypt. These followers were probably the famous nomadic raiding tribes from the Harranian plateau, known to the Egyptians as the Habiru, the most violent being recorded by them as the tribe of Ben Yamin (or Benjamin).
Some of these Habiru tribes no doubt stayed around Harran, while others settled in Canaan or Egypt (the latter serving the Hyksos elite, Semitic invaders who came to regard themselves as Egyptian after ruling the country for a few generations) A few Habiru clans may have left Egypt with the historical 'Moses', if he really existed, later becoming known as 'the Hebrews', with the rest remaining. Thus there may have emerged a common culture and even kinship amongst some of the various nomadic tribal peoples in this region (Aboriginal, Semitic, Indo-Ayran etc, and their hybrids), of which the Romani were just the latest and largest addition, after the post-Islamic expulsions from India swelled this Middle Eastern subculture disproportionately.
Curiously the name Harran means 'road' or 'crossroads', with Harranians being thought of as 'people of the crossroads', and a controversial derivation of the name Rom, not generally taken seriously today, is that it derives from Drom, 'road' or 'path', and once meant the 'people of the road'. Drom is a very important concept for the Roma, both mundanely and esoterically and relates to the idea of having a path, either as a vocation or practical direction in life, to know where one is going and to stick to it. Though typically the path is discovered intuitively and our knowledge of our 'true path' may vary in life. The term is certainly used by Romanis, but whether it is the origin of their name, and that of the Dom, is highly speculative and not supported by any evidence. A more convincing etymology with evidential support is described below, but nothing is certain.
The other nation closely associated with the Romani are the Dom. These are a genuinely aboriginal people who migrated from India to the Middle East. They were, and are, showman and musicians by trade as are many Romani. They also had a cult of thieves, with a trickster-thief deity, while some Romani, revered the two 'thieves' crucified with Christ as patron saints. However the Romani language is quite different to Dom language, and the Romanis regarded the Dom as being of a 'lower caste'. Though the name Rom itself may be based on Dom. Dom is said to either come from the Sanskrit root 'Dam', meaning 'drum' or the Tamil term Itum meaning 'prank', and Rom may be a later word modelled on this. Rom either coming from the Bihari word Rouma, meaning 'man' or from Sanskrit Rom , meaning 'husband' (Romni = 'wife'), as opposed to Chav, meaning 'boy', 'unmarried' or 'immature'.
This reflects the Romani belief that early marriage (often from 12) was crucial for personal development, and the importance of it in general both mundanely and esoterically. The Dom were also closely linked with Tantric practises, and Dom women were typically chosen as sexual partners by left hand path Tantricists, due to both their low social status and alleged attributes. Dom were often divided into professional 'tribes', such as Biharis, performers and musicians; Madari, bear and animal trainers; Sapere, snake charmers; and Loharis, blacksmiths. The closely related tribes of the Banjaris, or Lambadas (traders), and the Lambanis, perhaps even more ancient than the Dom, were preservers of an archaic form of Shakti devotion. Male Dom were often acrobats and jugglers, and many were masters of the whip. Self-flagellation was a common practise amongst them as an ordeal, and seems to have been initiatory. Apparent links between the Roma and the Dom include the Bihari clan, a Romani family named after a Dom tribe (however this is complicated by a region of Hungary being called Bihar, though the reason for this is unknown). A likely scenario is that some Dom tribes were absorbed into the Romani nation (traditionally referred to as the 'Company of Romani and Chavs').

Other people once thought related to the Rom and Dom are the Lom. The Lom are an itinerant people of mixed Indian and Armenian origin living in Turkey, but their language is quite different to either Romani or Dom. They are also curiously known as Posha. Posh Rat in Romani means 'half blood' (Kalo Rat = 'black blood' or the rarer pure Romani) and is usually used to indicate half breed Romani (as opposed to Diddikai or part Romani). This may indicate some relation. The Lom are often now regarded as partly a similar people to the Dom, hence name, but from a different region of India. Like the Dom some might have been absorbed into the Romani.

The Sinti
The Sinti (Sinto m Sintika f) are a mysterious Gypsy people famous for their magical reputation. The name is believed to be derived from Sind, in Pakistan, however their culture is the most Middle Eastern of all the Gypsies (the grammar of the name Sinti is also not Indian). Others associate them with Sin, the Semitic Moon God of Harran, who by late Chaldean times had been Hellenized into a Lunar Goddess Aa, and perhaps Sina, the Fey Witch Queen archetype of the Roma and Sinti.
The Romani claim them as one of their tribes or nations, the most ancient and first to leave their homeland (India?) and settle in Mesopotamia. The Sinti themselves however often deny Romani origins and claim they are related to the Chaldeans, or more mythologically that they are descended from the companions of Abraham on his journey to Egypt (Habiru?). This would closely equate them with Harran and the Mitanni mentioned above. Most Sinti now reside in Germany, Northern France and Poland, a small number also settled in Britain from Germany in Victorian times. They became particularly associated with fairgrounds and fortune telling. They speak a different dialect to other Romani, unintelligible to most, but have some overlap with the Romanugro. They are also distinguished by their refusal to adopt Christianity or Islam, unlike the Romani for whom conversion was common, albeit nominally. Though a few escaped this trap, many Romani in Albania and Kosovo joining Sufi Orders for example.
It may also be relevant here to observe that Sind was once part of the Harrapan civilization in the Indus Valley circa 4000BC, which would have a close relationship with Sumeria. One theory suggests that the famous Gundestrup Cauldron of the proto Celtic La Tene culture (175 BC), with its image of the 'Celtic' Horned God, Cernunnos, in lotus position, apparently derived from the Lord of the Animals of this civilization, originally came from India. Seated beneath the ivy, with the ram-headed serpent of the underworld in his left hand, the stag free to his right, and surrounded by twined wolf, lion, bull and fish gods. This might attest to contact between early Celtic nomads and the more ancient, metal working, Indo-Persian nomads (the Sinti ancestors), who were once linked to Harrapa. Certainly the cauldron was made by equestrian, warrior nomads, who revered a dualistic, wheel carrying deity and goddess, according to its imagery.

Mythic Origins
Various mythic origins exist for the Romani, both from themselves and from Gadjos. Their basic legend is that they came from Rom Chal, their original state, 'the Land of the Rom' or 'Children of the Rom', a great civilization or people that fell, or was lost in a flood, and its people scattered by God (Chal also means 'home', 'heaven', 'golden age', 'children' or 'migrants' to different tribes). The English Romanichal equate their origin with historical 'Rome', but this is no doubt an error.
Some Christianized Romani equate Chal with Egypt, and call themselves the 'Pharaoh's people', believing themselves to be descended from the Egyptians (or 'Egyptoi') scattered after the Red Sea closed behind Moses' passage or in a similar failed crossing by an ancestral people. This might reflect a legend preserved by the Habiru, but perhaps is an adoption (reclamation) from anti Romani Christian propaganda. As was the claim they were descended from the Blacksmiths who made the nails for the crucifixion and so were cursed to wander (now chased by the supernatural nails!). The Blacksmith connection coming from the Judaic belief that Romanis were descended from the smith Tubalcain and the musician Jubal Cain, or sometimes just the nomad Cain, or the offspring of Lilith and Adam. A belief some Romanis happily adopted. More positively they also claimed descent from the Three Magi, or according to Agrippa, the first 'Cushite' sons of Ham.
In the East the Romani claimed to have emerged from the underground kingdom of Agharti, or Nagaland (home of the Nagas or 'Serpent People'), though also claim to have only taken shelter there after some disaster or persecution (gaining great magical knowledge from their hosts). This might be a half remembered initiation tradition merged into a myth of original emergence.
Curiously of all the Gitanos (Spanish Romani) once claimed kinship with the Guanches of the Canary Islands, whom orthodoxy claims are descended from the Mesolithic ancestors of the Berbers. While Voltaire thought the Guanches to be of Atlantean origin (as well as the Basques), and the Canaries to be the peaks of the mountains of Atlantis, and so equated the Gitanos with a similar origin!

Historical Origins
According to researcher Roger Moreau the oldest and most eastern location definitely associated with the Romanis was Dasht i Nawar, 'the desert of the Gypsies', near Ghazni in Afghanistan . They lived there for three hundred years until the mid 11th century he claims and most of their early militaristic language supposedly derives from this time. He concludes they were resettled Indian mercenaries following the Islamic invasion of India. They then migrated into Persia and across the Persian plain westward. This is now often considered part of the orthodox theory of Romani migration.
Other researchers point to Gypsies living around Constantinople long before the 11th century, where they were regarded as refugees from Egypt. It was then they were first called Egyptoi or 'Egyptians'. They were considered the latest of several waves of migrants into Anatolia from the Middle East. Contemporary scholars have suggested that one of the first written references to them, under the term "Atsinganoi" (Greek, of unknown meaning), dates from the Byzantine era during a time of famine in the 9th century. In 800 AD, Saint Athanasia gave food to "foreigners called the Atsinganoi" near Thrace. Later, in 803 AD, Theophanes the Confessor wrote that Emperor Nikephoros I had the help of the "Atsinganoi" to put down a riot with their "knowledge of magic". "Atsingani" was also used to refer to itinerant fortune tellers, ventriloquists (an early name for 'psychic mediums'), snake charmers and wizards who visited the Emperor Constantine IX in the year 1054. They also brought acrobats and trained bears. The hagiographical text, The Life of St. George the Anchorite, mentions that the "Atsingani" were called on by Constantine to help rid his forests of the wild animals which were killing off his livestock. They are later described as sorcerers and evildoers and accused of trying to poison the Emperor's favorite hound. The Church associated them with the Paulicians - promiscuous, glossolalic Christian 'Gnostics', under possible Manichean influence (perhaps reflecting both the dualistic nature of Romani culture, their pseudo-Christianity and a possible Tantrism of early Gypsies).
Their name might mean 'those who do not touch', which may refer to the typical taboos of the Roma. In later texts Egyptoi and Atsinganoi are used interchangeably, and 'Gyptoi can be demonstrated as a term used for Romani peoples in the Middle Ages. Though some believe they were the ancestors of the Sinti rather than Romani proper. Thus a possible theory arises that there were at least two factions of Egyptoi, the proto-Sinti, of mixed ancient Indo-Ayran|Amorite|Hurrian origin, and the Indo-Ayran Romani, of medieval origin, more numerous and closer to Indian than Chaldean. But as both spoke variants of Sanskrit and had similar origins they were merged into a singular population, with the larger population of Romani becoming linguistically dominant while adopting much proto-Sinti culture, with the Sinti proper being those who retained the older traditions and language in purer form.
The 'Egyptians' settled around Modon, Greece in the 12th century. This became known as Little Egypt and its denizens became known as Gypsies ('Gyptoi). It is believed by many that various nomadic peoples made up the Romani people, and here merged and unified their culture. From here in subsequent centuries many migrated into the Balkans, which became their new home for generations, adopting much from and giving something to the local culture. Others crossed the Med into North Africa, either via Crete or through Palestine (eventually making their way around to Spain), and again adopted much local tradition, particularly in North Africa. The Balkan Romanis eventually arrived in Germany, via Bohemia, and from there moved north to Scandinavia and west into France. They then entered Italy, via France. The French initially referred to them as Bohemians due to their supposed origin and culture (a term later extended to artistic dropouts). Romanis also entered France from the South in the form of the Gitanos of Spain and North Africa (where they cohabited with Berbers).
Finally the Romani arrived in Britain in the late 14th and early 15th century. In Ireland and Scotland they exchanged memes with Irish Traveler, or Tinker, culture, as well as other British nomadic traditions elsewhere. These were often referred to as Didikai by Kalo Rat Romanis. They would first immigrate to America from here also (though later immigration was from all over Europe).

Nations and Tribes
The exact socio-cultural division of the Romani people is hard to define, and controversial, but scholars sometimes simplify things by dividing them into ten 'Nations' (based on geographic, linguistic and cultural difference), subdivided into more traditional Tribes (based on activities and/or identical language and kinship, or for Roma by 'common ancestor'). These tribes, tens of thousands large, themselves consisting of several Clans, or extended families, often several hundred scattered people with common name. While this is very useful others think it is a little Procrustean. While modern Roma may talk about unity (Shena) in an enlightened way, the Roma traditionally only exhibit such loyalty to their actual families, Amare Familia (Our Family) and to a lesser extent their Clans, or to the Companies, groups of families traveling together and sharing an economic bond (in Balkans amongst settled Romanis some of these became craft guilds, each with their own patron saint, secret symbols and initiatory practices).
Most Companies were informally run in a similar way to most nomadic peoples, but among the Kalderas tribe, a more organized from of government and court system developed that would influence many other tribes. This was the Kris, or court of elders, who made all the important decisions, arbitrated over differences and judged in legal trials (with penalties ranging from fines, through hexes, to banishment from the Company). But this only applied to the most important and difficult decisions, serious crimes and major transgressions of tradition, everything else was decided consensually at the Divan ('round table'), around which whole families or Companies met.
In everyday life the notion of the tribe for most Roma was one only for mythological stories of cultural origins, and the 'Nation' of the anthropologist was unknown, in fact they sometimes regarding these other 'nations' as not being real or pure Roma (not Our Roma, Amare Roma), or of some other 'unclean' people ('foreign Roma'), which often led to feuds. All affinity and loyalty being reserved for those they lived or worked with, not any abstract notion of kinship.
Despite the defining geographical associations of the various nations and tribes, there was also considerable overlap, with for instance Romanian Kalderas arriving in 19th century Scandinavia, and now regarded as native as the local Rommani, who have been there since the late Middle Ages and were once considered more indigenous. Though many Rommani still regard them as newcomers and foreigners of course. This needs to be borne in mind when we explore the possibilities of cultural transmission.

The Ten Nations (and their tribes):
1. The Kalderashi (or Vlach Roma). The most numerous, traditionally copper smiths, from the Balkans, many of whom migrated to central Europe and North America, heavily adopting local Balkan practises and language elements; Example Tribes - Kalderas (main Kalderashi tribe from Romania, renowned for openness to Gadjos); Lovari (Horse traders and musicians of Hungarian origin); Machvaya (Kalderash of Serbian origin); Boyash (low caste Kalderash of Romanian origin, divided into Kashtale, 'woodworkers', Rudari, 'miners' and Ursara, 'bear trainers'); Rusurja (Ukrainian Roma); Ashkali (Albanian Roma); Gurbeti (Serbian horse traders, unique for veneration of protective Saint Bibi (Aunt), who shares many features with Durga); Jambazi (Traveling horse traders between Balkans and Turkey, related to Gurbeti).
Common Vlach Clan names include Stojka (related to Stokes), Lakatos, Bihari
Vlachi is a Romungri term, and Kalderashi a generalization, both are accepted by them, however, they call themselves Roma, čáče Roma (true Roma), or sometimes mesal'ake Roma – literally "table Roma", after the table around which the family or company gathers. In Vlachi folklore we often find the expression sunto mesal'i (sacred table) in reference to it.
The Kalderashi rever the Queen of the Fey and Witches as Dina, but also know her as Sina (see below).

2 The Cikani or Bohemian Gypsies. The now extinct, pre Holocaust Bohemian and Moravian Roma. These were the link between the Balkan Roma and the Western Europe Roma.

3. The Romungri This is a Kaldereshi term for northern settled Gypsies. There are two subdivisions Hungarian Rom, or Ungrika; and the Servika, further divided roughly into Transylvanian/Ukrainian Roma and Slovakian/Southern Polish Roma, these were mostly horse-dealers, peddlers, blacksmiths, and entertainers; A common nickname and rare Clan name amongst the Slovakians is Dzugi, derived from a Persian Dom Clan, the Djugi, whose name comes from the Sanskrit Yogi, 'holy beggars'. This Clan rejected caste, taboos and tradition and also practiced Indian occultism. The nickname may be partly intended in jest as such behavior was rare in the Balkans
The Romungri had absorbed some linguistic elements from their neighbours, the Sinti, but the two languages were unintelligible to each other. This point is a crucial one regarding the transmission of ideas, which was often difficult between Romani nations and even tribes. Though contact through the host language was always possible, but more likely between Romani and Gadjo. The name of Gana, for Dina, Queen of Witches and Fey, derives from this people, and is most commonly found in Transylvania, where she is the bride of the Devil.
Note : Transylvanian Roma also include nomadic Vlachi, who share a common Transylvanian culture with the above, at least in part.

4. The Sinti. Mostly in Alsace and other regions of France and Germany. Other experts, and Sinti themselves, insist that Sinti are not a subgroup of Roma but rather a separate ethnic group which also had Indian origins and a history of nomadism; They form a fairly uniform group with tribal divisions reflecting locale or profession. Many Sinti were associated with Fairs. They refer to Gadjos as Hexo, meaning 'dim', as do the Finnish Kale and some Turkish tribes indicating a possible relation. The name Sinti may be related to Sina, a dialect name of Queen Dina.
The Manushe. From Manu (Man). French and Italian Romani held to be a subgroup of the Sinti. They differ from them only in having a more Romani type language. They are thus possibly a Sinti - Romani hybrid formed in northern France. Mostly organized as groups of traders, fair workers and hucksters (allegedly Italian Manushe have links with the Strege or Italian Witches)
The Sinti-Manush are often musicians, fairground people, fortune tellers, circus artists, or other entertainers. Their Clan names are often of German origin.
It is likely that a popular Continental term for Gypsies, the Hungarian term Cigany (Bohemian Cikan, Russian Cygan, German Zigeuner, French Tsigane and Italian Zingari) initially designated the Sinti-Manush group who arrived first, but was later extended to all Romani. An alternative derivation is from the Atsingani. Though as we have seen these might be compatible.

5. The Gitanos (also called Calé). Mostly in the Iberian Peninsula, North Africa, and southern France; associated with entertainment; There is a minor tribal division between the Cale of North Africa, the Gitanos of Iberia and the Gitan of France. The latter two speak Calo, a Spanish dialect with many Romani loan words, known locally as 'the black tongue'. They are also associated with the Black Madonna, known to them as St Sara. She in turn is sometimes called Sara the Kalee, literally Sara the Black (a connection with Kali is often suggested, but this could be coincidence). She is probably the local form of Dina or Sina. They maintain a strong tradition of Egyptian origins. Their Clans are identifiable from their Spanish names.

6. The Romnichal (or Rom'nies). Mainly in Britain and North America; Divided into two tribes, the Romnichal proper, of England and Scotland/Ireland, and the now almost extinct Kale of Wales, though the difference is slight (with the Welsh Kale seemingly regarding themselves as purer and genuinely preserving Persian elements in their dialect). Romnichal in Ireland and Scotland speak a dialect slightly influenced by Shelta, the language of the non-Romani Tinkers. While the English Roma merged with indigenous migrants. The main English Clans are the Boswells and Lees, while the main Welsh Clan were the Woods. There was a tradition of large Clans designating their elders as Kings of the Gypsies, but this seems to have impressed Gadjos more than fellow Romanis.
There are unsourced legends in English Witchcraft of persecuted Gadjo Sorcerers and Witches seeking sanctuary amongst the Romnichal (the same is also said of renegade monks in some tales). This may be true, though in the Balkans all non-Romani magic users were considered evil and taboo. The Romnichal know Dina as Diana, or perhaps even Danu in some places.

7. The Arli (also known as Yerlii or Erlides). Settled in southeastern Balkans and Turkey. An understudied grouping. Dominant tribes being the Muslim Rom Sepečides, the Ayjides of Istanbul (often bear trainers, from Turkish Ay, bear), Macedonian Roma and the Medvedara (Greek Roma, also bear trainers); The dominant Greek Clan is the Demeters. Greek Romani may have known Dina as Artemis or even more fittingly as Hecate. They are one of the few Romany groups to preserve the ancient serpent cult, and many still keep snakes as pets.

8. The Rommani. Scandanavian Roma. Generally divided into tribes of Norwegian and Swedish Rommani, both of presumed Bohemian origin, but the difference is slight. Rommanis are often called Tatars in Sweden and Norway, and Wandriar in Norway.

9. The Kaalee. Finnish Roma refered to locally as 'blacks'. Possibly related to Sinti.

Unclassified Roma tribes include the Errumantxela, a hybrid Basque - Gitan people; the Luri, Entertainers of Persia/Iran and Arabia; and the Qawliya of Iraq. The Zargar are a Balkan tribe who returned to Persia. Curiously it has been observered that Romnichal, Gitanos, Kalé, Sinti, Manush, and others do not use Roma when referring to themselves, but to others.

Mercury Retrograde Survival Guide

Camp Romani Tarot and Tea Lounge Astrology

Mercury Retrograde Survival Guide

A Camp Romani New Mexico Exclusive

Mercury Retrograde, although not quite as popular as Sun sign astrology, “Mercury Retrograde” has certainly become a buzzword – or buzz phrase – these days.
And as a Master Astrologer it is scary to note just basic information is shared in the common pagan society as of today.
Well we do not serve stale out dated bread here........

What is Mercury Retrograde?
Three, and sometimes four, times a year, the planet Mercury appears to be moving backwards in the sky for a period of approximately 3 weeks.
“Appears” is the key word here my lovelies, because, technically speaking, no planet actually moves backwards in their orbits around the Sun. In fact, they don’t even slow down.
Retrograde-station-direct cycles are essentially illusions that result from our point of view from Earth, simply because the Earth is also orbiting the Sun at a different speed than the other planets. Mercury turns retrograde more frequently than any other planet. It can never be more than 28 degrees from the Sun, and whenever it reaches its furthest distance from the Sun, it changes direction.

As the planet of communication, Mercury retrograde tends to breed a certain level of confusion. Mercury rules our “lower” mind–how we perceive and interpret information that we receive from our environment, and how we relay that information to others. Mercury has rulership over such things as speaking, negotiating, buying and selling, listening, formal contracts, documents, travel, the mail and shipping, and so forth. All of these areas of life are affected when Mercury is functioning in a sluggish state. Decision-making is challenged during Mercury retrograde. Needless to say, it is not advised to sign contracts, engage in important decision-making, or launch a new business. Delays and challenges are more probable with Mercury retrograde. This period is best used for re-organizing and reflecting.

Now For This Months Mercury Retrograde
Always allow at least two days before (to slow down) and after Mercury retrograde (to resume regular activities):

Mercury in station - immediately before and after going retrograde, the planet appears to be standing still because its movement is so slow. Be still, take time out, don't make any verbal or written commitments.

Mercury in shadow - after going direct, the planet briefly retraces the path it was on before the beginning of the retrograde period. Review the past three months and make plans for the next three months.

Mercury direct - the planet resumes its regular speed. Return to normal daily activities.

The Next Mercury Retrograde Cycle
Dec. 19, 2016-Jan. 8, 2017
Mercury Retrograde

Many of you know the drill: Count on greater misunderstandings, as all communications are more likely to suffer; expect delays and/or undelivered mail or messages. EXPECT to write and rewrite in the present and WISH to rewrite the past. Always get repairs done of any kind before Mercury Retrograde begins or wait until it ends.

Emergencies excepted, Mercury Retrograde is definitely NOT the time to start a new relationship, a new job, or long-term project — let alone a new career; it is not the time enter into binding commitments (marriage, financial, or otherwise) without the absolute expectation of necessary modifications, alternative compromises and/or reversals in the original plan and/or intent. Unless it’s an emergency, it is generally not a good idea make or go to medical appointments during Mercury Retrograde.

Interpersonally, communications at all levels are problematic, and we are inclined to think slower – process communications slower! We have to be patient with each other and ourselves. Expect computer issues – not the least of which will likely include slower connections (also MUST back-up data).

EXPECT misleading information — if not deception (especially with Neptune in Pisces); EXPECT missed appointments, traffic problems, the failure to keep one’s word because of a promise that could not be kept; misplaced documents, more compute-related problems.

Any Mercury Retrograde cycle is THE time to re-think, re-do, re-define, re-organize, re-assess, re-orient, and/or re-plan without taking action on the “new plan” until after Mercury Retrograde ends. It is the time for completions; i.e., cleaning up paperwork, paying old debts, doing what we’ve promised that hasn’t been completed OR otherwise handling those matters responsibly.

It is not the time for repairs to machinery or automobiles in particular; chances are, repairs have to be made to the repair! It IS the time to chill – to *think* more than we expand our activities; plan what to change and how to move forward after Mercury Retrograde ends. Think of it as an *opportunity* that comes around 3 or occasionally 4 times in a year.

NO ONE escapes the discomfort of Mercury Retrograde — wherever we have Gemini, or Virgo in our natal charts, we are going to experience the effects of any Mercury Retrograde cycle.

Mercury “rules” those individuals with a Gemini or Virgo Sun. Those with a Gemini Sun, Moon, or Ascendant, will, most likely, be in the uncomfortable position of having to re-think exactly where they are most comfortable; i.e., easy, adaptable communications suitable for the moment. On the other hand, for the Gemini who is aware of Mercury Retrograde, the opportunity exists to clarify communications — being so precise there is little room for misunderstanding.

Virgo Sun, Moon, or Virgo ascendant, will likely experience the usual difficulties presented by a Mercury Retrograde cycle; however, their main opportunity is to analyze how they may be the carping critic and unnecessarily complicating matters for everyone with whom they are in contact. The main issue will likely be analyzing everything to death with slower reasoning powers, so all the analyzing actually gets in their way. Other issues may be intolerance for disorder or totally rationalizing a double standard they might be using to manipulate a situation.

Mercury will be retrograde in one zodiacal sign or the other, and those whose Sun, Mercury, Moon, or Ascendant in that sign will be seriously affected by the Mercury Retrograde cycle of the sign.

To reiterate, during any Mercury Retrograde cycle, one should not enter into any binding agreements or life-altering commitments. Commitments made during a Mercury Retrograde cycle are most often commitments not kept. Where agreements cannot be avoided, there should be an expectation of having to modify the agreement at some point during its term. The signing of any important document should either be put on hold or signed with the knowledge that it will likely have to be changed in some way.

We are all being forced to loosen our grip on one or more situations in order to prepare for what is coming. The first half of Mercury Retrograde is the time for the greatest reflection and introspection.

During the second half of Mercury Retrograde, people will be especially inclined to just get on with business/life as usual — foolishly so. Added tension stems from a new perspective and the added awareness that we are literally blocked from doing what we feel ready to DO to the fullest extent. What we SHOULD focus on is physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being, as well as plans for greater fulfillment in our lives after the cycle ends.

REMEMBER: Sleep deprivation during Mercury Retrograde causes extreme confusion, inflexibility, and general difficulty staying in reality-based thought. When we feel the least bit sleepy it is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT, not to mention — refreshing — to STOP what we are doing, and close our eyes just long enough to allow the sleepiness to subside. It can be as little as 2-5 minutes.

REMEMBER ALSO: During ANY Mercury Retrograde cycle, most folks are inclined to think/process information slower — just “BE” with that, and USE it for deeper thinking about any subject, issue, or idea. Be patient with each other.

Mercury Retrograde also affects all modes of travel and all modes of communication. It is definitely not a good time for travel (and we should do so ONLY when our Personal Energy Influences show positive indications). EXPECT greater stress in any event. Also, it is no secret that when people use cell phones while driving, the distraction can cause disastrous accidents. During Mercury Retrograde, the hazard is multiplied when those who use them are so busy talking (not to mention texting) they go through red lights or don’t stop for pedestrians on a busy street, or even see animals (and animals can’t think). People are supposed to be able to think, but thinking is more often impaired during Mercury Retrograde, and, when using a cell phone – let alone texting – one’s thinking may not be sharp enough to negotiate both the situation on the road and the telephone interaction.

Whether we are pedestrians or behind the wheel of a vehicle – it will pay dividends to take an extra 10 seconds for a second and third look before leaving a GREEN light!!!

Special Note:
Also being left out but not in our astrological report is the empowerment's of knowing where a Mercury Retrograde is in your house chart!

From my work with "Astrology~Beyond The Basics", here is my out put for this mercury retrograde as it passes through my clients charts......

Mercury’s transits through the houses of the horoscope are relatively short. Because many charts are drawn with unequal houses, and because Mercury is sometimes retrograde, the length of Mercury’ stay in a house varies. Mercury acts to rationalize the areas of life ruled by the house it transits.



Mercury Transits to the Houses

Mercury Transits the First House

This is a period in which you are most inclined to speak up about matters that you previously were only mulling over. Your disposition is more intellectual than usual now, and self-expression comes easy. You are sharper than usual–more observant, and more inclined to “live in the head”. Relationships with siblings, neighbors, classmates, and casual friends may become more prominent in your life now. It is likely that you will initiate discussions during this period, evaluate your appearance and the impact you have on those around you, and make contact with others rather than stay chained to any one place or activity. This is the time to be direct and to communicate your needs and interests. You are more inclined to talk about yourself and your personal past now. This may also be a restless time when it is difficult to turn the thinking process off when it would be better to relax! It is an especially fruitful time for any endeavor that requires dealing with words, ideas, and facts and figures. Your demeanor is more youthful, perhaps mischievous, lighthearted, and non-threatening so that others may be more inclined to turn to you for advice or pleasant conversation. Using the power of words to attract what you want or to further your interests works best for you now.

Mercury Transits the Second House

This is a strong period for analyzing your cash flow, income, and earning power. You are more practical and rational in your approach to finances now. With your conscious mind focused on money and possessions, as well as personal values, this can be a strong period for gathering new money-making ideas. Alternatively, it could be a time when you tend to fret over your finances. Conversations tend to be practical rather than frivolous now. Financial gain may come through communications.

Mercury Transits the Third House

Mercury is right at home in the third house, and offers a natural curiosity, facility with words, and the ability to multi-task successfully. More time spent on the phone, writing emails, in the car making short frequent trips, chatting, running errands, communicating with neighbors and siblings, visiting friends and relatives, and doing paperwork is likely now. There can also be a tendency to fuss over insignificant matters now, however. Also, “information overload” is also a possibility. This may be a busy time with neighbors, classmates, siblings, and community affairs. Your interests are especially varied now, and perhaps scattered. It’s an ideal time to pick up information from your environment and the people in it, as your tendency is toward a certain level of intellectual detachment just now. Your mind is often distracted, particularly when circumstances call for you to stick to routine, so this is not the best transit for focusing on one task or project. Your mind is especially inquisitive during this cycle, when learning, short trips, and other forms of communication and making connections, appeal strongly. Some are fidgety or nervous during this cycle, perhaps due to increased errand-running, phone calls, and the like. Others enjoy the challenge of tackling a variety of subjects. As well, talking, writing, and studying can be good ways to handle stress.

Mercury Transits the Fourth House

This is a time during which you can enjoy increased powers of concentration. You may require solitude in order to get mental work done during this cycle. Your memory is more retentive than usual, and your thoughts often turn to personal matters, family, and loved ones. You might particularly enjoy discussions about your early life, the past, or family matters during this cycle. In fact, it’s a great time to open up conversations with loved ones, as you are more rational when it comes to personal matters now. Your mind often wanders to domestic concerns, and issues surrounding your home, family, and personal past. On the other hand, this transit sometimes indicates an especially busy, and perhaps hectic, period on the domestic scene. For example, you might take home work or find that people drop by your home often during this cycle.

Mercury Transits the Fifth House

During this cycle, there is a powerful mental connection with your creative self-expression. You are proud of your ideas, and very good at expressing them to others smoothly now. Your thinking is more creative than usual. You tend to entertain others with your conversation; and your sense of humor (and of mischief!) is especially strong. Your thoughts turn to children, pleasures, or romance during this expressive cycle. You might enjoy researching speculative ventures now. You especially enjoy games that involve competing with others on a mental level. You have a stronger need than usual for intellectual stimulation. Therefore, your friends and romantic partner are best appreciated now if they are intellectual types. You’re more willing to take risks on a mental level now, so take advantage of the increased spontaneity and creativity that comes with this position.



Mercury Transits the Sixth House

This is a good placement for Mercury, as it is the natural ruler of the sixth house. It’s an excellent period for sorting out the details of your daily existence. You are inclined to make to-do lists, pay bills and sort out clutter, and to do detail work on the job. Health matters are most certainly on your brain as well, and you could be thinking of scheduling check-ups or busy researching ways to improve your health. You may also show a keener interest in improving your basic skills. Your approach to work during this cycle is pleasant, happy, and logical for the most part, unless you allow worry or scattered energy to enter the picture. You are inclined to want to learn new work skills, or to improve your skills and output in terms of work. There is likely to be more activity, movement, contact, and communications with co-workers now. You tend to take more interest in organizing your working environment–and this is an excellent time to do so, as you are especially objective and intelligent when it comes to getting a handle on your daily affairs and all of the “little things” that contribute to a feeling of efficiency and competency. Menial tasks become more prominent. Watch, however, for tension or idle chit-chat interfering with your work output during this cycle.

Mercury Transits the Seventh House

You tend to weigh the pros and cons of every issue during this cycle, taking into account others’ needs as well as your own. Some indecisiveness is possible now, simply because you naturally entertain opposing viewpoints. You have a strong desire to cooperate and communicate with others now. You feel most comfortable spending time with people on a one-to-one level, or with those with whom you share a personal history. Your own thoughts become clearer through dialogue with others. You may be doing public relations work, counseling, negotiating, or arbitration during this cycle. There is a lot of emphasis on communications with partners and best friends at this time. You can use the power of words to advise others or to make peace with people in your life. You are more diplomatic than usual during this transit.

Mercury Transits the Eighth House

You are more intuitive now than usual, picking up all of the hidden cues from people around you and reading between the lines. This is an excellent cycle in which to do some financial planning and strategizing. Research is also highly favored. It’s also easier for you to approach sensitive, intimate, and personal matters with rationality and logic. As such, this is a great time to open up conversations about topics that normally might cause waves, such as those revolving around the sharing of power, intimacy, and finances.

Mercury Transits the Ninth House

Not content to focus on mundane, practical affairs just now, your mind turns to bigger visions, thoughts, and ideals. You are open to expanding your knowledge base during this cycle, and communications from or with someone far away may be part of the picture. You are putting everything into perspective now, rather than compartmentalizing. Instead of simply shooting the breeze, you are more inclined to discuss broader philosophies now. Your inclination during this cycle is to think about the “big picture” rather than the mundane circumstances and details of your life. Missing appointments and other forms of forgetfulness could be part of the picture now.

Mercury Transits the Tenth House

You are likely thinking a lot about your career and business matters, or your career requires more communication than usual during this cycle. You speak with authority during this period, and you are more accountable than usual for what (and how) you communicate. Your ideas may come into public view now. Use the power of words to influence authority figures. This is an excellent period for developing career and professional plans or strategies. You may be turned to for advice or for your opinion on important matters. Although approachable and ready to communicate, you are less inclined towards chatting about frivolous matters now. You tend to think about your position or standing on a professional level more frequently during this cycle. You are likely doing some multi-tasking regarding career and business matters. Negative use of this influence would be to worry unnecessarily about your reputation and responsibilities.

Mercury Transits the Eleventh House

Your mind is bright, alert, and active during this cycle, and you have the ability to come up with unusual and inventive ideas. Sharing your thoughts with others is a prime interest. Others tend to particularly enjoy your conversations during this transit–you are willing to listen as well as add your own thoughts. As well, your ability to grasp unusual subject matter and to intuitively understand what others are trying to say win you some brownie points! You could also do a lot of thinking and musing about your own happiness and long-term goals.

Mercury Transits the Twelfth House

Your mind is focused on private matters and past issues during this cycle. This is a time when you are least likely to speak out of turn or to express yourself freely. You’re searching behind the curtain, and examining the past for answers. This is a good time for research, quiet contemplation, and meditation; but do avoid being dragged down by issues that have outgrown their worth and purpose. Examining the past in order to improve the future is certainly worthwhile, as long as you don’t waste your energy on guilt. Creative endeavors could prosper now, particularly those that draw upon the emotions or that require creative visualization skills, such as poetry, art, acting, and other such activities. You are likely to require a certain amount of solitude in order to get your thoughts together or to be mentally productive. You are less likely to chat indiscriminately during this transit, and tend to be a little secretive or tight-lipped for the time being. This may be important, in fact, because this position is sometimes associated with the uncovering of secrets, so discretion may be in order.

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