Ukrainian Gypsy Fortune Telling

© Simon Vanderbelt 2013

This is a free e-book but only in the sense that I'm not charging for it, it's not

copyright free.

If you want your friends to have a copy, great, but please send them to the

Afterworld website where they can download their own copy. Not much to

ask is it?

www.afterworldmagic.com

Table of ContentsIntroduction..................................................................................................4

Who are the Ukrainian Gypsies?..................................................................5

Letters and Numbers – A Gypsy's Luck........................................................6

Lucky 7s..................................................................................................6

E & H (or rather E & N)...........................................................................6

Cartomancy..................................................................................................7

Historical Use..........................................................................................7

Interpreting the Cards.............................................................................7

The Spread.............................................................................................8

Example Reading....................................................................................9

The Sitter ..........................................................................................9

The Spread........................................................................................9

Summary..........................................................................................10

Conclusion.............................................................................................11

Coin Reading.............................................................................................12

Historical Use........................................................................................12

The Reading..........................................................................................12

Conclusion............................................................................................13

Bone Mediumship......................................................................................14

Historical Use........................................................................................14

The Reading..........................................................................................14

Conclusion............................................................................................15

Appendix 1 – Card Definitions....................................................................16

Clubs.....................................................................................................16

Hearts...................................................................................................16

Spades..................................................................................................17

Diamonds..............................................................................................17

Appendix 2 – Crib Sheet............................................................................18

IntroductionFirstly, thanks very much for downloading this e-book, even if it is free! I

imagine you fall into one of two categories; you're either a lover of fortune

telling systems and histories and will try and read as much as possible on

the subject or, more likely, you're an owner of a Ouija Deck and want to get

a bit more out of it in terms of readings.

The Ukrainian Gypsy traditions are something I've been researching and

become fascinated with for a couple of years now. Initially it stemmed from

an act I had planned, a comedy mentalism act featuring a rubbish Ukrainian

psychic. The act never happened, mostly because I'm not funny, but the

interest in the Gypsy fortune-tellers held firm.

I soon realised that guests as psychic parties etc. found it just as

interesting, if not more so, as I did. The fact that so little is known about

these Gypsy fortune-tellers allowed me to weave fantastic, colourful back

stories for simple mentalism routines. People loved the fact that it was all

something different from the usual tarot and angel card readings,

something with a charming story.

The fortune-telling systems in this book are those discovered through my

own research into this wonderful sub-culture. If you're a magician or

mentalist then hopefully you'll find something to embellish your routines

with. If you're a 'reader' (I know, the two aren't mutually exclusive!) then

hopefully you'll have something new and interesting to offer your sitters.

Finally, this e-book isn't an instruction on how to give readings as a whole.

I make an assumption that you're either an experienced reader or a new

enthusiast who has other resources from which to learn the art of readings.

If you don't have such resources then I can heartily recommend work from

my good friend Paul Voodini, The Reader of Minds

(www.readerofminds.co.uk).

Whatever you take from this e-book, just be sure to have fun with it.

Otherwise, what's the point?

Simon Vanderbelt

January 2013

Who are the Ukrainian Gypsies?The term Gypsy is, in reality, a term given to the Romani by people other

than themselves (an exonym) and our Ukrainian Gypsies share the same

genealogy, although their history is quite unique amongst the Romani.

The vast majority of Romani were settled in central Europe, in particular

Italy, up until the 19th Century having emigrated from South Asia

approximately 1000 years ago. Our Ukrainians shared that migratory

journey up until the 16th Century when a number of family lines made the

journey to the Black Sea to what was then Galicia-Volhynia, a troubled

state that forms today's Ukraine.

As with all Romani people, written documentation is spare, with history

being an oral tradition. However, written accounts by spectators at the time

do elude to strangers settling in a number of areas. The area was about to

come under the rule of The Kingdom of Poland having been the subject of

warring between Poland, Lithuania and Hungary for hundreds of years

previously. Local commentators and officials noted a rise in an immigrant

population which closely matches what we know of the Romani. Not

surprisingly during those troubled times, these immigrants were treated with

a high degree of suspicion. Some things never seem to change do they?

Over the next few hundred years, stories became more and more

documented regarding the Ukrainian Gypsies (they seemingly never gave

themselves an endonym), in particular their trades as craftsmen,

entertainers and, most interestingly for us, fortune-tellers.

Nowadays, the Ukrainian Gypsies don't feature as a significant ethnic

group within the country, having amalgamated into the wider population and

with later Romani immigrants. Their traditions still do however, and high-

street fortune-tellers on the markets of Odessa are still using the oracles as

you'll learn in this e-book.

Letters and Numbers – A Gypsy's LuckBoth numbers and letters play a strong part in the Gypsy's life. Like our

Western superstition of the number 13, certain numbers and letters are

similarly prominent in their culture.

For mentalists and bizarre magicians, using the Gypsies as a backstory,

much can be made of these, especially in combination with a Ouija Deck.

Lucky 7s

The number seven is considered incredibly lucky in Gypsy culture. House

numbers, car registrations and birthdates or anniversaries involving 7 or

multiples are especially desired. Not surprisingly, July is an incredibly busy

month for weddings!

E & H (or rather E & N)

The letter H in the Cyrillic Ukrainian alphabet, for reasons unknown, is

considered extremely unlucky. Stories are rife in Ukrainian history of

villages that felt the Gypsy travellers unwelcome would daub their buildings

and signage with the letter H in large red painted letters, reminiscent of a

scene from a Hammer Horror movie, with terrified villagers hiding behind

this superstition for protection. Not surprisingly, the Gypsies being as

superstitious as they were, avoided these villages without question.

Owners of the Ouija Deck will notice the letter N missing from the Ouija

Design on the back of the cards. N is the romanised equivalent of the

Cyrillic letter H.

E, being the seventh letter of the Cyrillic Ukrainian alphabet is considered

lucky, many Gypsy names will begin with E.

Cartomancy

Historical Use

Fortune-telling with cards is the most recent oracle in the Gypsy traditions,

starting probably no earlier than the late 17th or 18

th Centuries. For

whatever reason, the popularity of the Tarot in Western Europe never took

as much of a stronghold in the East and Russia.

If you use this system yourself, then you're in a small, elite but very

interesting club. Casanova noted in his diary that his Russian mistress

would read his fortunes using playing cards. Contemporary reports of the

time (this was during his time in England in the late 1760s) describe the

woman as a “fair but weasel looking lass, looking as if borne of India but

known to be of the Cossacks”.

Later, 'Mad Monk' Grigori Rasputin was well documented as taking favour

with a Ukrainian fortune-teller with card readings being his preferred oracle.

Fortune-telling was a commercial enterprise for the Ukrainian Gypsy and

both the reading and indeed the divinatory meanings for each card are a

reflection on this. The fortune-teller's customers were almost exclusively

young females, concerned with their love life and their family businesses

and as you will see, the cards refer to these matters almost entirely.

If you've ever read Tarot, whether professionally or not, you've no doubt

learnt or at least heard of a whole plethora of spreads for various topics and

themes. The Gypsy tradition had no such need and kept readings to a

simple, one-size-fits-all spread. As a result, and in combination with the

meanings of the cards, readers might not find this spread or indeed, system

suitable for in-depth readings.

Interpreting the Cards

The meanings for each card are given in Appendix 1 at the end of this e-

book, along with an printable A5 'crib sheet'. For owners of The Ouija Deck,

your life is made so much easier with each meaning printed on the face of

the cards!

The meanings themselves have naturally evolved greatly over the years,

especially with the Gypsy traditions being primarily oral in nature. A

fortune-teller would teach her daughter how to read the cards and she her

own daughter in turn, with a new variation each time. The first known

published meanings came in Russian magazine домохозяйка (Housewife)

in 1938, reacting to the popularity of fortune-telling at the time, giving

everyday women the means to read fortunes for themselves and friends.

For the modern reader (and indeed, sitter) an amount of interpretation will

be required in order to make these statements 'fit' with a modern sitters'

lifestyle. Certainly genders should not be taken for granted, if your sitter is

a gay female for example and the reading seems focused on romance, it's

probably fair to substitute males for females in romantic cards.

Additionally, the cards don't always concern themselves with the sitter

directly. A card that predicts a marriage of wealth for example (Ace

Diamonds) isn't necessarily predicting a marriage for the sitter, but possibly

someone related to the general theme of the reading itself.

1 - The sitter's current situation: More often than not, this card will set

the 'theme' for the reading, a romance card indicating the reading will

concern itself with romance etc. rather than indicating an exact situation the

sitter finds themselves in.

2 - The sitter's unconscious hopes and dreams: One of the more

difficult cards for the reader to interpret without help from the sitter. This

card indicates those emotions and feelings which are affecting their current

situation. If this card doesn't make immediate sense to the sitter, it is likely

to indicate unconscious thoughts that even they are unaware of. Cards 3

and 4 should provide clarity.

3 and 4 – Distant (3) and Recent (4) past events: These are past events

that are still shaping the current situation and potentially, future events.

These cards can often be the most difficult to interpret as the meanings for

each card are given in a future tense. Simply reword the meaning for your

sitter, for example: The Eight of Clubs reads “You will receive an offer which

you should accept”. In one of these past positions, it would be referring to

a past offer the sitter received, whom may or may not have accepted the

offer – although as they card states, they perhaps should have done.

There is no defined time frame with these cards, that should be determined

together with your sitter whom should recognise the events and be able to

give a time frame.

5 – The immediate future: This is an event that will happen within the

next few days usually, certainly no longer than a week.

6 and 7 – Near (6) and Distant (7) Future Events: As with the past cards

(3 and 4) there is no defined time frame, these could be within months or

even years. The context of the reading should give you some idea as a

reader. As a general rule, if no timing seems obvious to you, they often

match the time frame defined with the past cards.

Example Reading

This is a reading given by myself recently for a young woman called Katie.

It took place at a house party where I had been booked to provide a little

light psychic entertainment.

The Sitter

Katie is in her mid-twenties and has recently split up with her boyfriend after

a 3 year relationship. She works in a call centre and generally enjoys her

work and has a healthy social life.

The Spread

Card 1: Queen of Diamonds.Whatever fate deals you, your friends will be of help.

Katie immediately identified with this as her current situation. Her boyfriend

had recently left her and her friends were currently offering her much

needed emotional and practical support.

Card 2: Ten of Hearts.A broken heart will be mended.

This brought a wry smile to Katie's face and she agreed that a mended

heart was definitely her current dreams and hopes.

Card 3: Seven of Spades.A very simple and plain wedding is to be expected.

Katie and her boyfriend had been discussing, albeit casually, the kind of

ceremony they would like should they decide to wed. A simple 'civil

ceremony' was agreed upon. Elaine stated this was approximately 8

months ago.

Card 4: Ten of Clubs.A work promotion is due within the month.

This card confused Katie initially as there had been no promotion, nor had

she applied for one at all recently. I felt this was referring to a missed

opportunity to progress rather than a formal rejection of promotion. Whilst

she couldn't think of anything specific that fitted, Katie did admit that in the

last month, relationship troubles had affected her attitude in work and as a

result hadn't perhaps put as much effort as she had previously done.

Card 5: Jack of Hearts.A sweet new friendship will be formed.

Katie seemed a little concerned at this idea of the immediate future as she

had no desires to begin another romance so soon. I explained that I felt

that it was more likely to be a strictly platonic friendship with a male, one

which helped her restore a little faith in the male of the species!

Card 6: Three of Hearts.Take time to make decisions, caution is your friend.

I felt this card was referring to decisions Katie would have to make in the

coming months regarding 'closure' on her relationship. I urged her not to

make rash decisions in this respect and exercise caution as they card

suggests.

Card 7: Eight of HeartsA string of good fortune awaits you in work.

I explained to Katie, that without the distractions of an unhappy relationship,

she would be more work focused and as a result would find a great deal of

successes. Rather than a single event with a defined time in the future, I

felt these successes would occur over the next year, possibly even further.

Summary

Katie was very pleased with her reading and impressed with the clarity in

which she identified with it. She went away happy and confident that she

would be able to move on from her unhappy relationship and subsequent

split, in particular looking forward to making an improved effort to improve

herself in work.

Conclusion

Personally, I've found these card readings best used as an uplifting,

entertaining brief reading which is more about the fun of having your future

foretold rather than a deeper 'guidance' reading as you might experience

with the Tarot.

Naturally, owners of the Ouija Deck have life easy when it comes to these

kinds of readings. A Ouija Deck can of course be utilised to provide simple

one-card readings, which are brief and fun, in a strolling working

environment.

Coin ReadingGypsy coin readings are a very brief, at-a-glance approach to fortune-

telling. With a simple throw of coins, it will indicate the elements of the

sitter's life which show signs of needing attention in some way. In truth they

were employed as a hook to encourage a potential sitter to pay for a card

reading.

Historical Use

When a family travelled to a new town, there would be no shortage of

sitters, wishing to have their cards read or to receive guidance from

deceased loved ones (bone readings). Coin readings wouldn't need to be

used in these occasions as the sitters were already more than willing to

hand over their hard-earned money. However, during 'off-season' and

whilst on the road, passing travellers would be lured in with the promise of

a 'free' reading. The Gypsy would then use her sales pitch to sell them a

card reading. Docc Hilford would've made an excellent Ukrainian Gypsy!

The Reading

The reader has a small cloth laid out in preparation of the reading upon

which is drawn a triangle, each point labelled 'Love', 'Business', 'Family'.

The sitter is instructed to take a large handful of coins (it's worthwhile

encouraging them to perhaps select a range of coins rather than

predominantly a single value) from their purse, pocket or wallet etc. and to

pass them to the reader who cups the coins in both hands, shaking them as

you might a group of dice. The reader then gently throws the coins onto

the cloth and consults the pattern of coins.

Attention is given, initially, to the coins which tend toward each point on the

triangle. The coins which land there, or absence of coins, indicate the type

of future events which are to occur in that area of the sitter's life.

If the coins are primarily high value coins then a bright future is predicted,

a grouping mostly of low value coins indicate a level of status quo for that

area of life and while nothing significantly bad is due to occur, there is

always room for improvement. If a point of the triangle has very few or no coins land around it then a loss or drop in fortune is foretold.

A number of coins will of course land in the centre of the cloth and these

require closer interpretation by the reader who should try and identify some

kind of pattern or trend within the coins. This pattern will go some way to

identifying the cause of any fortunes or misfortunes that have been

predicted by the coins on the points of the triangle.

It's impossible to provide a distinct list of patterns that might emerge as

there are too many variables present to do so. This part of the reading

calls upon the creative skills of the reader to interpret although patterns

such as low value coins in a group 'flowing' into higher value coins or gaps

in coins towards the points on the triangle would seemingly indicate a the

cause (low value or gaps) are of life and the one which will be affected

(high value).

Conclusion

It's probably very obvious as to how the Gypsies would utilise this brief

reading to 'up sell' a card or bone reading. Depending on the attitude of the

sitter, either a positive prediction would warrant further investigation or the

opposite may be true, desiring more details on losses and failures so as to

be able to avoid them if possible.

It's a very simple, quick and direct, reading system that probably won't fit

with many 'performers' or professional readers. I've used it myself at

psychic parties, mostly as a simple demonstration when discussing the

Gypsy fortune-tellers whose methods I use. There's often an amount of

curiousity and the guests often ask me to show how it's done.

Bone MediumshipBone readings, as performed by the Gypsies are one of the more unique

systems of readings that they gave. There seems to be no documented

evidence of any other Romani peoples or their descendants using bones as

an oracle. The nearest in similarity to these readings are performed in

some African states. Quite how it entered into the repertoire of our

Ukrainians is something of a mystery.

Gypsy bone readings can be considered, very loosely, as a form of

mediumship, in that the fortunes given are said to originate from deceased

members of the sitters' family although the messages are given in the

formation of 'thrown bones' (similar to the coin readings) rather than direct

clairvoyancy of any kind. There's no 'talking' to or from the dead.

Historical Use

Bone readings were the Gypsy's 'premium' product, conducted by elder,

vastly-experienced readers, whilst the younger generation stuck to card

and coin readings. It's said that only many years fortune-telling experience

would give the Gypsy the 'power' to read the bones.

A reading would be arranged in advance and the sitter instructed to cook

and serve a large family meal, ideally comprising of chicken or other bird of

comparable size as the main meat dish. The bones of the bird were to be

delivered, unwashed, to the Gypsy no later than midnight on the night of

the meal.

The following day, at dawn, the Gypsy would visit the sitter in their own

home, bringing the now washed bones with them and conduct the reading

at the same table as the previous night's meal was ate.

The Reading

The bones would be given to the sitter to shake and throw down onto the

table, in a similar fashion to the coin throw mentioned earlier, albeit this

time performed by the sitter rather than reader.

Unlike most other fortune-telling oracles, there is no 'system' in place with

bone readings. The reader simply gazes at the bones and awaits

'divinatory inspiration' much like a scryer does with her crystal ball or other

tool.

Conclusion

So how do you do it? That in itself requires a much longer publication than

this – it really comes down to 'doing it for real'. Thankfully, such

publications already exist and once again I'd refer the reader to Paul

Voodini's ebooks (www.readerofminds.co.uk), in particular his collaborative

efforts with psychic Cathy Shadows. These books offer an excellent insight

into using your intuition without a 'system'. I really can't recommend them

enough.

Appendix 1 – Card DefinitionsThe following pages list all the 52 cards (no joker is used) of a standard

playing card deck, along with their definitions.

Clubs

Ace A celebration or party is imminent.

Two You will receive a refusal today, but tomorrow will change everything.

Three Look further afield and you will find true love.

Four Work hard for success and extra luck will come.

Five Your first child will not be your last.

Six A musician will soon have an importance in your life.

Seven You will suffer a small setback but you should not let it worry you.

Eight You will receive an offer which you should accept.

Nine A stroke of luck will be yours, combining both love and money.

Ten A work promotion is due within the month.

Jack Money is due to you, be sure to spend it wisely.

Queen A fair looking woman is jealous of you.

King A reunion with an old male acquaintance will lead to a renewed friendship.

Hearts

Ace A perfect sweetheart is bound for you.

Two Be sure to be gentle with your loved ones' heart today.

Three Take time to make decisions, caution is your friend.

Four You will be free of your greatest fear within six months.

Five A long overseas journey is due, but home will be destiny.

Six Ignore spiteful comments and you will prosper.

Seven You can be sure your love is true.

Eight A string of good fortune awaits you in work.

Nine A new love interest is just around the corner.

Ten A broken heart will be mended.

Jack A sweet new friendship will be formed.

Queen Take heed of a friend with advice for your love plans.

King Be careful with new friends as there may be more than meets the eye.

Spades

Ace A disappointment will become a blessing in disguise.

Two Small troubles will persist in bothering you.

Three Luck smiles upon you and sends you money and pleasure.

Four Be sure to accept the counsel of others with different ideas to your own.

Five An argument must be avoided at all costs.

Six Be courageous now and the future will brighten.

Seven A very simple and plain wedding is to be expected.

Eight A change in business methods is necessary for success.

Nine A week of good fortune awaits you.

Ten What troubles you today will bring smiles tomorrow.

Jack Delay any romantic plans.

Queen Beware a silver haired woman who means you harm.

King Trust the friend who offers to help you.

Diamonds

Ace A marriage of wealth is due imminently.

Two Heartache will soon ease.

Three Charitable work will bring many rewards.

Four A holiday of enjoyment is due within a month.

Five Long journeys with others are to be avoided.

Six Be on guard against enemies and tricksters.

Seven Strange happenings are due to befall you.

Eight False kindness will only end in truth and misery.

Nine A stroke of luck will fix your income worries.

Ten A lifelong marriage is a certainty.

Jack Your previous bad luck will reverse from today.

Queen Whatever fate deals you, your friends will be of help.

King Exotic travel will bring pleasure and profit.

Appendix 2 – Crib Sheet

Opposite is a small crib sheet of the card definitions which can be printed

out on an A5 sheet.

Clubs HeartsA A celebration or party is imminent. A A perfect sweetheart is bound for you.

2 You will receive a refusal today, but tomorrow will change everything.

2 Be sure to be gentle with your loved ones' heart today.

3 Look further afield and you will find true love. 3 Take time to make decisions, caution is your friend.

4 Work hard for success and extra luck will come. 4 You will be free of your greatest fear within six months.

5 Your first child will not be your last. 5 A long overseas journey is due, but home will be destiny.

6 A musician will soon have an importance in your life.

6 Ignore spiteful comments and you will prosper.

7 You will suffer a small setback but you should not let it worry you.

7 You can be sure your love is true.

8 You will receive an offer which you should accept. 8 A string of good fortune awaits you in work.

9 A stroke of luck will be yours, combining both love and money.

9 A new love interest is just around the corner.

10 A work promotion is due within the month. 10 A broken heart will be mended.

J Money is due to you, be sure to spend it wisely. J A broken heart will be mended.

Q A fair looking woman is jealous of you. Q Take heed of a friend with advice for your love plans.

K A reunion with an old male acquaintance will lead to a renewed friendship.

K Be careful with new friends as there may be more than meets the eye.

Spades DiamondsA A disappointment will become a blessing in

disguise.A A marriage of wealth is due imminently.

2 Small troubles will persist in bothering you. 2 Heartache will soon ease.

3 Luck smiles upon you and sends you money and pleasure.

3 Charitable work will bring many rewards.

4 Be sure to accept the counsel of others with different ideas to your own.

4 A holiday of enjoyment is due within a month.

5 An argument must be avoided at all costs. 5 Long journeys with others are to be avoided.

6 Be courageous now and the future will brighten. 6 Be on guard against enemies and tricksters.

7 A very simple and plain wedding is to be expected.

7 Strange happenings are due to befall you.

8 A change in business methods is necessary for success.

8 False kindness will only end in truth and misery.

9 A week of good fortune awaits you. 9 A stroke of luck will fix your income worries.

10 What troubles you today will bring smiles tomorrow.

10 A lifelong marriage is a certainty.

J Delay any romantic plans. J Your previous bad luck will reverse from today.

Q Beware a silver haired woman who means you harm.

Q Whatever fate deals you, your friends will be of help.

K Trust the friend who offers to help you. K Exotic travel will bring pleasure and profit.