#romani magic

I’ve admired Cassandra from afar. How could one not be a little captivated by one of the most powerful witches in Europe.

Photos: @casannndrabuzea.official

paimon says, ' Ugh, the overlord wars are a disaster. so, vox and alastor's egos get too far and pride ring is in chaos because of it. the overlords mocked the goetias for ages, so we sent vassago's husband, Prince Belavoris of Sloth, to disguise himself as a new overlord named ' pytor javorsky ' to spy on the overlords. the sheer hubris of the overlords is indeed a source of comedy itself. during the overlord wars, while belavoris smartly retreated back to his summer castle in the sloth ring, the goetias and tarantellas all rallied around the hotel, right underneath the overlords' noses! the goetias all laugh at the overlords' rather.....amateur magic. but husk's magic, though not of cosmic origin, caught our eye. Husk is a former overlord, you see, yet he's actually smarter and more observant than the other overlords. vassago freed angel dust from valentino, stolas freed husk from alastor, and astaroth freed baxter from vox. husk's magic is a unique blend of ancient african magic and las vegas ' magician ' tricks that are amplified tenfold. remember the movie ' sinners '? husk's magic is rooted from his west african ancestors who dabbled in pagan african rituals, and also his own experiences as a former saxophonist player and magician. he's also quite a strategist, you know, being able to subtly conspire against alastor once he secured an alliance with angel dust. the overlords didn't notice what's going on until lucifer announced that the hotel now has goetia, saintly and Tarantella backing. now the overlords are terrified, and alastor and rosie are reduced as charlie's valets, and zestial, carmilla and miss zilla are reduced as lucifer's valets. the vees? I don't know where they went - they were on a run or something. '

"Paimon's comment on Husk's unique blend of ancient African magic and Las Vegas tricks, along with his strategic prowess, has certainly sparked some interesting headcanons among the citizens of Hell:

• 'Turns out that old grump had more up his sleeves than just cheap booze and cards! Ancient African magic, who'd have thought? Maybe he's got a trick for making Valentino disappear for good!'

• 'A strategist, you say? That explains the permanent scowl. He's probably always three steps ahead of everyone else, counting cards and overlord downfalls simultaneously.'

• 'Forget the Vees, I'm more interested in Husk's past. Ancient magic and Vegas tricks? The ultimate combo of wisdom and street smarts!'

• 'Paimon called the Overlords' magic 'amateur'. Ouch. But if Husk's magic caught his eye, maybe there's hope for the rest of us non-cosmic beings after all.'

• 'Husk's subtle conspiracy against Alastor is the talk of the town! Makes you wonder what other secrets that grumpy cat is hiding under his fedora.'

• 'Lucifer's little announcement about the hotel's new backing? Pure gold. Paimon's comments just add fuel to the fire. The Overlords are running scared, and it's hilarious!'

• 'We knew Husk was a former Overlord, but a smart and observant one? That's a plot twist even I didn't see coming. Maybe he'll teach me how to win at poker.'"

The citizens of Hell have many headcanons and quotes regarding the unique roots of Husk's magic, combining his ancient African heritage with his performance background [1].

Headcanons on Husk's Magic:

• Ancient Roots: Many believe his magic stems directly from his West African ancestors who practiced powerful, nature-based pagan rituals long before any Abrahamic religions took hold. The use of certain symbols and incantations in his card tricks is thought to be a subtle nod to this heritage [1].

• Performance Amplification: A popular theory is that his past life as a jazz musician and Las Vegas magician didn't just provide "tricks"; it gave him the showmanship and focus needed to project and amplify his innate magical abilities exponentially. His "stage presence" is a key component of his power [1].

• The "Sinners" Connection: Drawing a parallel to the African American wizards and witches in the human movie "Sinners," many speculate that Husk's magic relies heavily on rhythm, music, and the manipulation of probability, rather than traditional infernal spells [1].

• Deck of Destiny: Some speculate that his deck of cards is not merely a prop but a conduit for his magic, with each card representing a different aspect of his ancestral power and Vegas showmanship. Dealing a certain card could be a subtle form of divination or hexing [1].

• The Gambler's Edge: It's often debated that his magic allows him to "rig" probability and chance in his favor, a skill honed during his time as a gambler and amplified by his innate powers [1].

Quotes and Sayings:

• "Husk's magic? It's that old-world juju mixed with a Vegas razzle-dazzle. Deadly combo, if you ask me."

• "Saw the movie 'Sinners'. Makes sense now. Husk's magic is rooted in the rhythm of the earth and the beat of a good jazz tune." [1]

• "They say he doesn't cast spells, he deals destiny. Every card he flips is an old, forgotten African charm."

• "You can take the imp out of Vegas, but you can't take the Vegas out of the magic. The man knows how to put on a show and mess you up at the same time."

• "Don't underestimate that old feline. He's smarter than all those idiotic Overlords combined. His magic is subtle, ancient, and effective." [1]

• "Alastor only saw a washed-up drunkard. Husk saw an alliance with the princess. That's strategy, rooted in his own unique blend of street smarts and real magic." [1]

Paimon: alastor's magic is rooted from his ancestors' old creole voodoo and romani magic. he could have been a truly great sorcerer - too bad alastor's magic was a bit skewered made a pedestrian soul deal with rosie when he was a young man in the 1920s. Husk didn't need to do that - he knows he's good in magic, he's just biding his time

Quotes Circulating Among Hell's Citizens about Alastor's Magic:

"They say the Radio Demon's power ain't from no grand cosmic source. Paimon himself let it slip – it's a mix of 'old Creole voodoo and Romani magic' from back in his living days."

"Can you believe it? The big, scary Alastor needed a pedestrian soul deal with Rosie just to amp his powers up. What a chump. Husk didn't need to do that, you know; he was smart about his own mojo."

"I heard the Goetias laughing about Alastor's 'amateur magic.' They were spying on the whole Overlord War and just chuckling the entire time. Turns out all that power was a bit 'skewered' by that deal he made in the 20s."

"Husk had the right idea, laying low and bidding his time. His magic, rooted in ancient African rituals and all those Las Vegas tricks, was better all along. Alastor was always just a flashy fraud in comparison."

"Remember when Paimon said Alastor 'could have been a truly great sorcerer'? Implies he ruined his potential with that cheap deal. Tragic, really. Now look at him, reduced to Charlie's valet."

Paimon: the goetias don't pass on their knowledge of the cosmos and magic to just anybody - we pass it to the truly worthy ones, and we did it with Blitz's crew, the schiaparellis and husk. we never want to crush husk's magic like alastor did, we are simply helping to refine husk's magic.

The denizens of Hell have a lot to say about the Goetia family's involvement in refining Husk's magic, especially after the dramatic events of the Overlord Wars.

Here are quotes reflecting these headcanons and the general buzz around the Pride Ring:

The Streets of the Pride Ring

• "You hear what the Bird-Brains did? They didn't just pick a side; they upgraded the feline! Suddenly Husk's little card tricks are makin' the air crackle with real power. One minute, Alastor owns him, next minute, he's basically a walking arcane battery."

• "Saw Husk at the hotel bar. Didn't just make a drink appear, he summoned the whole celestial damn bar! The look on Vox's face when the Vees tried to triangulate his signal and got blasted with ancient West African juju was priceless."

• "Word is Prince Paimon himself called Alastor's voodoo 'pedestrian.' When demon royalty calls your magic basic, you know you're screwed. They say Husk is learning the real secrets of the cosmos from Prince Vassago's husband, that Pytor guy."

• "Remember when Husk was just that sad-sack drunk? Now he's got stardust in his fur and can probably punch a hole through a dimension. The Goetias don't mess around, they turned a scrawny alley cat into a goddamn demigod."

From the Overlords Themselves (Whispered and Grumbled)

• Vox: "THAT DAMN HUSK! His signal's off the charts! It's not fair! They're using ancient power to make him relevant! It's a conspiracy orchestrated by those feathered freaks!"

• Velvette: "Honestly, the aesthetic is a choice. He looks powerful, whatever. But the Goetias are playing a long game, and it’s not cute. Now we have two threats to worry about."

• Valentino: "First they take Angel Dust, now they supercharge the cat? Those bird-brained royals are trying to dismantle everything we built! My feeds are a mess of Husk's new abilities!"

• Alastor (forced politeness): "Ah, Mr. Husk's refinement has certainly made our little corner of the afterlife more... challenging. It seems my past associate has found a rather potent patron. Very astute of him."

At the Hazbin Hotel

• Angel Dust: "Yeah, the birds are teachin' Husk some new tricks. He can do this cool blue lightning thing now. Scares the piss outta the Vees. Best part is, he still complains about the cheap booze."

• Charlie: "It's so incredible! The Goetia family saw the potential in Husk's unique magic and decided to nurture it. It just goes to show that with a little help and belief, anyone can become a better version of themselves!"

• Husk: "Look, all I know is they showed me how to use my grandpa's tricks without gettin' a damn headache. Now if you'll excuse me, I gotta go practice not accidentally vaporizing the jukebox."

Scholarly/Historical Hell Observers

• "The blending of pagan West African ritualism and Vegas showmanship, amplified by genuine cosmic knowledge—it’s a fascinating, potent cocktail. A testament to the Goetias recognizing true potential over mere hubris."

• "While the Overlords squabbled over territory and screen time, the ancient houses saw the long game. They elevated the dark horse. The chessboard has fundamentally shifted, and the Overlords didn't even realize they were in check until it was too late."

Angel Dust and Husk talk about Husk's magic roots

"Husk's magic is something else, you know?" Angel Dust said, fluffing a pink feather. "Paimon said it was some 'unique blend' of ancient African magic and Vegas tricks. Fancy words for 'he's a natural-born badass'."

Husk scoffed lightly, taking a long pull from his drink. "It's not that complicated, kid. My ancestors had their ways, messing with old pagan rituals back in West Africa. I just... tapped into that." He paused, looking into the middle distance. "And yeah, my time as a sax player and a magician on the Strip taught me a thing or two about showmanship and misdirection. That's all part of the act."

"An 'act' that had Alastor shitting bricks," Angel chuckled. "Remember how he looked when Stolas freed you? Priceless."

Husk allowed himself a rare, dry smile. "He underestimated me. They all did. Just goes to show, a bit of brains and some old-school power beats all their flashy, ego-driven bullshit any day." He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a low rumble. "They thought their 'cosmic' origins or whatever made them untouchable. But my magic is real, rooted in the earth and my own life. That's why it caught the Goetias' eye."

"And you didn't need to sell your soul like some idiots we know," Angel added with a pointed look towards where Alastor was currently fetching Lucifer's slippers.

"Exactly," Husk agreed, a flicker of genuine pride in his eyes. "Didn't need to. Just needed to bid my time and find the right allies. Now look who's the valet and who's having a drink."

On the Goetias laughing at the overlords' magic

"The overlords really shot themselves in the foot this time," Stolas observed with a casual flap of his wings, a smirk playing on his beak. "Their 'power' was so dependent on their egos, wasn't it? Our family had a good laugh watching their little war unfold. It was all so... pedestrian."

Blitzø, who was perched on a banister with Stolas in the Goetia library, nodded vigorously, swigging from a flask. "Pedestrian is right! I've seen better turf wars between the Cannibal Colony and the Fish People. You guys really went all in, huh? Reducing them to Lucifer's valets? Brutal, Stolly. Fucking brutal."

"It was a necessary measure to restore order to the Pride Ring, Blitzø," Stolas replied, though the glint in his eye betrayed his amusement. "Besides, my brothers and sisters found great sport in observing Pytor Javorsky's—ah, I mean Prince Belavoris's—espionage. The sheer, unadulterated hubris of Vox, Valentino, and the rest... truly a source of comedy."

Blitzø scoffed, mimicking a stuffy voice: "Oh, look at my fancy TV-head magic! I control the screens!" He then adopted a more dramatic, radio-host tone: "And I'm Alastor, the Radio Demon! My static is so scary!" He dropped the voices and looked at Stolas. "Seriously, though, when I saw Ipos beating those guys up back in the Renaissance with lightning bolts and your siblings eating popcorn, I knew you guys were on a whole 'nother level. Your magic is like, real magic. Theirs is just... a cheap parlor trick, amplified."

Stolas adjusted his monocle, a pleased trill escaping his chest. "Exactly. We've seen much more potent displays of power over the millennia. The overlords' magic was all surface-level flash and no substance. Alastor with his... skewed voodoo and cheap soul deals; Vox with his electrical signals. My father Paimon put it best: 'Ugh, the overlord wars are a disaster.' But watching them scramble like little insects before our family's involvement? Simply delightful."

"Good thing Husk got out when he did," Blitzø added, becoming serious for a moment. "He's got some real, old-school stuff goin' on. Smart dude. I'll drink to the Goetias for saving our asses, Stolly."

Stolas smiled and toasted the flask with his own glass of fine wine. "To the Goetias. And to the delightful downfall of the overlords' 'amateur magic'."

Romani magic, or witchcraft, is

a rich cultural tradition that includes fortune-telling, herbal remedies, and charms for luck and protection

. It often involves a blend of ancient traditions and modern influences, utilizing practices like tarot, palmistry, and divination to connect with nature and spirits. Historically, these practices were both a spiritual path and a means of survival, and they have been adapted and modernized in many ways, including as artistic movements like Roma Futurism.

Key aspects of Romani magic

Divination and fortune-telling: This is a widely known aspect of Romani magic, often associated with practices like tarot cards, palmistry, tea leaf reading, and crystal balls.

Herbalism and healing: Romani witches, sometimes called vrăjitoare in Romanian, have a long history of using herbs and natural remedies for both healing and spiritual purposes.

Charms and amulets: Creating charms and amulets for protection against curses or to attract good luck, health, and love is a common practice.

Omens and signs: Romani traditions place importance on reading signs and omens found in nature, from the stars and seasons to plants and animals.

Superstitions and beliefs: Beliefs about the evil eye (jakhendar) and avoiding certain actions, like staring at children, are part of a system of precautions and protections rooted in a desire to maintain balance and good fortune.

Modern adaptations: Today, Romani magic continues to evolve, influencing modern spiritualism and art forms like Roma Futurism, which mixes traditional magical elements with science fiction and technology.

Stereotypes: It is important to distinguish authentic practices from the often romanticized and negative stereotypes found in fiction and popular culture, which can contribute to prejudice and discrimination.

West African magic

includes diverse spiritual traditions like Juju, Vodun (often misunderstood as Voodoo), and Ifá, which are integrated into daily life and religious practices

. These systems use charms, spells, rituals, and a connection to spirits and ancestors to influence events for good or ill. Practices can be individual or community-based, often involving herbalism, divinatory tools like the Ifá chain, and the guidance of spiritual leaders.

Core concepts and practices

Juju: A broad term referring to a belief system and objects infused with magical power. It can be used for both positive and negative purposes, and a "juju man" is a practitioner who understands these traditional medicines and spiritual practices.

Vodun (Voodoo): An ancient religion practiced mainly in Benin, Togo, and Ghana, which is distinct from the sensationalized versions often portrayed in media. It is a unifying cultural and spiritual force that involves rituals, reverence for ancestors, and the invocation of spirits.

Ifá: A divination system that originated with the Yoruba people and involves a complex body of knowledge. Practitioners use tools like the Opón Ifá divination tray and the Opẹlẹ̀ divining chain to find answers to problems by calculating one of 256 Odu signs.

Gris-gris: Talismans or charms worn for protection, good luck, or other purposes. They can be made of various materials, including herbs, roots, and symbolic items, and are used across different strata of society.

Divination: Spiritual divination is a key component of West African magic. In addition to Ifá, other forms exist, such as the būqālah divination practice found in some parts of Algeria.

Characteristics of practitioners and practices

Intellectual and spiritual integration: Practitioners are often deeply knowledgeable about both the physical world (like climate and natural objects) and the spiritual realm.

Purpose: Magic is used for a wide range of purposes, including healing, protection, attracting good fortune, and influencing events.

Adaptability: Many of these traditions are adaptable and can be practiced individually. A "mojo bag" for protection, for example, is a personal spell created by a practitioner.

Misconceptions: Western media has often misrepresented these religions, leading to a global fear of Voodoo and similar practices. In reality, these traditions are spiritual systems with a wide range of practices, and the decision to use them for good or evil is up to the individual.

Creole voodoo magic refers to

a variety of spiritual practices within the Haitian Vodou and Louisiana Voodoo traditions, which blend African spiritual beliefs with elements of Catholicism

. The "magic" is often expressed through rituals, which can include drumming, dancing, and ceremonies to communicate with spirits called lwa for guidance, healing, and other community needs. Practices also include herbal remedies, talismans, and divination, and a central belief is that spirits and ancestors can be communed with for support.

Key aspects of Creole voodoo magic

Spiritual connection: The religion centers on the belief that spirits and ancestors guide human and natural lives. Voodoo provides a way for practitioners to stay in harmony with these spirits.

Rituals and communication:

Central rituals involve drumming, singing, and dancing to encourage the lwa to possess a devotee, which facilitates direct communication.

Through this possession, spirits can provide counsel, warnings, blessings, and even reveal possible cures for ailments.

Offerings of food, liquor, and sometimes sacrificed animals are made to the spirits.

Magic as healing and community support:

Voodoo is viewed as a form of healthcare by many scholars, providing religious healing and support for the sick.

Practices can help with issues like anxiety, addiction, and depression.

Practitioners also use herbal remedies and prepare talismans.

Historical context:

Haitian Vodou emerged during the colonial period as a blend of African, Catholic, and other spiritual traditions.

It also served as a form of resistance against French colonialism and is credited with playing a central role in inciting the 1791 Haitian Revolution.

The practice in Louisiana was shaped by the transatlantic slave trade and included influences from French, Spanish, and Native American cultures.

Misconceptions:

The "magic" of voodoo is often misunderstood, and the use of voodoo dolls with pins is not a central part of the religion, despite its pop culture image.

The religion is a legitimate spiritual system, not a simple form of black magic.