Diasporic Mysticism

As I delve into the rich tapestry of Romani spirituality and its intersection with various cultural and religious influences, I’m reminded of the research I’ve conducted for my upcoming presentation at Harvard University’s conference on Alternative Spiritualities: Engaging our Colonial and Decolonial Contexts. Titled “Diasporic Mysticism, Psychology, & Tarot: A Path to Decolonizing Intuitive Development“, my paper explores how diverse spiritual practices can offer profound insights into decolonization and intuitive growth, based on the academic and field research I’ve undertaken. As someone who is part of the Jewish diaspora and deeply interested in studying Tarot from a historical and Jungian perspective, I find it intriguing to explore how Tarot has its roots in Romani divination.

Diverse Influences and Practices

Romani spirituality is like a rich tapestry woven from various cultural and religious threads from their travels over centuries. It’s fascinating to see how Romani people, often referred to as the derogatory “g*ypsies”, have adopted (often by coercion) the religions of their host countries. This has resulted in a blend of Hinduism, Catholicism, Protestantism, Orthodox Christianity, and Islam. Additionally, Romani customs, spells, and superstitions have evolved into distinct traditions that reflect this diverse heritage (Restrepo-Madero, et al., 2017; Modern Witch, 2024).

Exploring Romani Beliefs

I recently came across insights from Jezimna Von Thiele and Paulina Stevens, two members of the Romani community living in the U.S. They shared their experiences on the Modern Witch podcast in 2024, highlighting a strong reverence for Goddess Sara-la-Kali in Roma culture. This goddess, known as the goddess of creation and protection, is not recognized by the Catholic Church but it’s intriguing to see how Romani spirituality blends biblical and Hindu references, showcasing its eclectic nature (The Modern Witch, 2024; Troy, 2023).

One aspect of Romani spirituality that resonates with me is its emphasis on practical rituals with spiritual significance. For example, washing the front porch with water and salt at the end of the day or wearing a red thread bracelet for protection. These rituals are not just superstitions but have practical applications in clearing energy and providing a sense of security (The Modern Witch, 2024; Myroniuk, 2017). I speak to the mental health benefits of ritual here.

Shared Diasporic Experience

The Romani people, like the Jewish diaspora, have a shared history of migration and struggle. This diasporic transnational identity is characterized by traumatic dispersal, collective memory, lasting ethnic identity, troubled host society relationships, and distinctive contributions in host societies (Robin Cohen, 2022). It’s a reminder of the resilience and cultural richness that diasporic communities bring to the world.

In conclusion, exploring Romani spirituality and its intersection with other cultures and traditions is not just an academic exercise but a way to understand the diversity and depth of human experience.