The Best of Van Morrison (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Van Morrison (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Van Morrison has several songs referring to his gypsy soul. When you look up the meaning of a gypsy soul the main answer is a wanderer, a restless spirit and a searcher.
His lyrics to Gypsy in my Soul tell of escape, the sea, restlessness and cruelty of fate. All of these subjects are addressed with prominence in my book 5 PILLARS of the GYPSY. It was the gypsy in my own soul and the gypsy in my mind which like so many others prompted me to share ‘the gypsy’s findings’ through my Art and Verse.
Van Morrison also recorded, Gypsy Queen, Caravan, and Gypsy. Although I haven’t listened to all of his songs, much as I do love his music and panache I am sure there are other references to his gypsy soul throughout his lyrics. To find out more about him visit his website. I was astounded at the number of songs he has listed. A legend in his own time.
It’s just the gypsy in my soul
Make me pack up my things and go
It may seem like I’m on a roll
But it’s just the gypsy in my soul
Layin’ out in the midday sun
Tryin’ so hard not to run
Looking out at the deep blue sea
I guess it’s just the gypsy in me
Jump on that train, catch that plane
Here and there and back again
Well it seems like some kind of cruel fate
Keep me moving in this restless state
Sometimes it feels like I don’t have any goal
It’s just the gypsy?/P>
Catch that train, jump on that plane
Here and there and back again
Well it seems like some kind of cruel fate
Keep me moving, moving in permanent restless state
Seems like some days I don’t have any goal
It’s just the gypsy in my soul
Gypsy in my soul
“As it was of old it is to-day –Wherever gypsies go there the witches are, we know”from The Gypsies circa 1882
I was inspired to paint this as a result of coming across some symbols used by gypsies in spells and in writings, paintings and engravings. Repeated two or three times throughout the painting are the following symbols and wishing charms. What started as purely symbolic ended up taking on a feeling of romance.
Each symbol attracts a different part of life’s wishes – success, dreams, love, prosperity and health. I think whoever buys this painting will be a believer in spells! I know I do!
“Nine requisites for a contented life:
Health enough to make work a pleasure.
Wealth enough to support your needs.
Strength enough to battle with difficulties and overcome them.
Grace enough to confess your sins and forsake them.
Patience enough to toil till some good is accomplished.
Charity enough to see some good in your neighbor.
Love enough to move you to be useful and helpful to others.
Faith enough to make real the things of God.
Hope enough to remove all anxious fears concerning the future.”
~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
According to the old Shamanic belief, which was the primaeval religion of all mankind every disease is caused by an evil spirit which enters the body and can only be driven out by magic.
This is a Spell for COLDS and FEVERS – if any one dares.
3 Lungs + 3 livers of Frogs
Dry them
Powder them
Mix them with spirits
and Drink them all up
and then, following the swallowing say:
“Frogs in my belly
Devour what is bad
Frogs in my belly
Show the evil way out”
and then you will have chased the evil cold or fever away.
Best of Luck with this Spell!
(source – Gypsy Sorcery and Fortune Telling, circa 1891)
I’ll post a few more spells as I find them! Lesley , author of ’5 Pillars of the Gypsy” Available in Print and e-Book formats.
For a while now I have had a growing conviction that per capita there are more Romanians using Wordpress than in any other country. The conviction became research, and gave me cause for going through posts by all different bloggers over the past few weeks.
There are 21.500 million people living in Romania. Many of them are blogging I see. Per capita a rather larger number, I am sure, than in any other nation.
I commented on this post by the Gyspy Pirate:
This is a great post – thanks for sharing some positive stories and stinging truths. From what I have learned lately there is still a long way to go as holding onto a rich culture is as important as making progress.
+++++++
The worldwide impression of the Gypsies is not complementary to their culture in general but as with all cultures most of the time once you have learned about and met the actual living humans then the generally accepted point of view changes to excuse some of the faults.
++++++++
I have read, seen good and bad. I have watched My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding and wonder at the need to participate in a reality type situation when the gypsy culture in general has traditionally been quite secretive. The more I look into the culture, the more I appreciate its value in society. Much like other mis-understood ways of life the Gypsies deserve some understanding and respect. Especially their great artists and musicians and writers! Yes, Charlie Chaplin and Yul Brenner were gypsies. Who else? Look it up to find the outstanding list!
Normally, when I listen to gypsy music it is a fast paced, sometimes over the top sound and my senses feel assaulted if I am not in the mood for high energy. This morning when I was searching for the right sound that could be listened to while you read the Lyrics to RevengeI came across a soft, easy and beautiful love song played on a guitar with no singing, no extras. It is called ‘Gypsy Love Song’. The video shows a man and a woman dancing, demonstrating gypsy dance, which I love. The video was slowed down to accompany the music. I was finally charmed as I had been through about 25 videos by the time I reached this one.
My song lyrics stem from my poem Dance With the Devil from 5 Pillars of the Gypsy but I wrote it from the ‘devil’s’ point of view rather than from the gypsy’s, which is the point of view in the poem. You may wonder why I selected a love song to listen to. I think if you understand the reason I switched from her perspective to his you will understand the meaning of the choice.
and … why on earth am I writing songs now? Because I am working on what is likely to be a very long term project – developing a play, perhaps a musical? who knows but the universe that somehow manages to guide me on my way!
Most of the writings I post are posted under a Creative Commons copyright, meaning you are permitted to share with attribution to the writer – But these lyrics are filed under Restricted Copy Rightbecause I really don’t want them circulating without attribution. There have been so many fantastic essays that I have come across lately seemingly written by ‘Anonymous‘ – and I have a hard time believing that someone posted it without their name attached. It just got lost along the way!
This is a sexy little number I hope you enjoy it. IF you have an idea of a Genre you believe it would be best suited in or an idea of a voice, please let me know!! thanks, Lesley
Revenge
I grabbed her by the leg
Pinned her to the ground
She reached instinctively
To touch a thorny crown
It wasn’t there, it wasn’t there, it wasn’t there
It wasn’t there, it wasn’t there, it wasn’t there
I flashed her photographs
I whispered naked truths
Her fingers lingered longer
To touch a thorny crown
It wasn’t there, She didn’t care She didn’t care
She didn’t care, She didn’t care She didn’t care
If it’s revenge you seek (want)
You must believe in me
Of all the things you’ve learned (no matter what you’ve learned)
You must be blind to see.
…..
I kissed her sultry mouth
Sealing promises
Chest heaving mightily
She swayed so sensually
(but) she had me fooled, she had me fooled, she had me fooled
(but) she had me fooled, she had me fooled, she had me fooled
If it’s revenge you seek (want)
You must believe in me
Of all the things you’ve learned (no matter what you’ve learned)
You must be blind to see.
Our dance turned pleasurable
Melting bodies rocked
I tightened up my grip
She swayed so sensually
(but) she had me fooled, she had me fooled, she had me fooled
(but) she had me fooled, she had me fooled, she had me fooled
Bolts of lightening struck me
Heard Angels sing their chorus
The music got to changin’
Like an inglorious symphony
(and) I was struck, unearthed so crossed
(and) I was struck, unearthed so crossed
She won’t believe in me
Her Angels set her free
I was too blind to see
She had no love for me
(and)She was so damned beautiful, She was so damned beautiful, She was so damned beautiful,
(and) She was so damned beautiful, She was so damned beautiful, She was so damned beautiful,
She had no love for me
Her Angels set her free
She won’t believe in me
I was too blind to see
(and)She was so damned beautiful, She was so damned beautiful, She was so damned beautiful,
(and) She was so damned beautiful, She was so damned beautiful, She was so damned beautiful
& if you are interested in reading 5 Pillars of the Gypsy (digital download in any format) please follow this link to Inspiration Import’s post. I am offering the book FREE for a couple of weeks. Thanks so much!
Elvis’s mother Gladys came from the Romani Smiths and the German Presslers, when the Roma first entered America, in fear of persecution they called themselves the Black Dutch.
When I read this morning that Elvis was a Gypsy, suddenly his love for dance, his charm, colouring, originality … suddenly so many things fell in to place including his Gypsy soul.
I have been researching Gypsies more an more over the past week and come back (very often) to the same. Wherever they are they shine and the controversy and persecution that plagued Gladys way back when continues until this day.
As I read more and more the controversy stirred deeper and deeper and further and further. This is a subject for scholars to study for decades more and at the end Still be Disputed!
Everyone knows that when one is accused it becomes almost a futile act to deny because the circle is endless. I watched a video the other day (lost track of it, sorry) that showed a Gypsy and his family at a horse fair, relaxing, enjoying what they loved to do. In his commentary, he mentioned the privacy and secrecy that Gypsy’s insisted on keeping over many years. It is apparent as to why. It is to avoid bias, prejudice and pre-conceived notions. His suggestions were to expose the Gypsy community through a full length film and put the secrets to bed. (once but not for all, I suspect).
As I scroll through the Internet and especially YouTube I have found hundreds of articles, verifiable images shared, and especially videos of Dancing Gypsies. Their music – voice – and song is a beautiful part of their culture that will hopefully never fade. Enjoying our Earth’s Grand Canopy!
Bob Dylan wrote a song called “I Went To See The Gypsy” after a visit with Elvis, that song is available on YouTube.
Here are the lyrics
Went to see the gypsy
Stayin’ in a big hote
lHe smiled when he saw me coming
And he said “Well, well, well
His room was dark and crowded
Lights were low and dim
“How are you?” he said to me
I said it back to him
I went down to the lobby
To make a small callout
A pretty dancing girl was there
And she began to shout
“Go on back to see the gypsy
He can move you from the rear
Drive you from your fear
Bring you through the mirror
He did it in Las Vegas
And he can do it here”
Outside the lights were shining
On the river of tears
I watched them from the distance
With music in my ears
I went back to see the gypsy
Hi all, It would make me happy to no end to have someone that I have gotten to know through posts here on WordPress or interacted with through the Social Media Networks I am a part of to receive a free copy of my book.
You can ENTER HERE to receive a Print Copy of ’5 PILLARS of the GYPSY’. During Jaidis Shaw’s Book-Tober Bash (October 1-31) there are a number of other books available to win. Many are e-books so you would need a reader but mine is good old fashioned paper. I wish everyone who enters, lots and lots of luck!
Very sorry but it is only for USA and Canadian addresses due to postal rates.
UK and other residents are able to purchase it though Amazon.UK and multiple other Amazon sites world-wide. The e-book is available through Smashwords in all formats for $4.99. I would suggest that a colour screen would be the best for this book given the amount of art that is it.
Why would I give away copies of my book? Because as a writer and knowing how people have reacted to 5 Pillars of the Gypsy and given the fact I am a giver, it only makes sense to share. There are no strings attached but it does give me pleasure to know the reader has enjoyed it and so I am asking for a review if possible. When it comes down to a book’s success story, it is normally word of mouth that is the best selling point.
My book was recently REVIEWED by Brenda Cohorn on her site HERE. Once again I found myself a bit concerned when I read the first part ….
I have spent my adult life living as a Christian in a Christian environment. So, when I first started the book and saw:
“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; A time to kill and a time to heal” A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to love, and a time to hate; A time of war, and a time of peace.”
- but then noticed this author attributed this phrase to Prime Minister Rabin – I was taken aback. It was first penned in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 by King Solomon.”
I thought OH SHIT!
and then I cried as I read:
Okay, I’m going to be completely honest here. After looking through these poems, reading some of them to my husband, then rereading the ones I chose as my “favorites” I made a discovery about myself. I believe that I have never liked poetry because it exposes too much. I noticed that I picked as my favorites, the ones most removed from the the reader. The ones about time and happiness. You know, the peripheral. The ones that made me the most uncomfortable were the ones about deep inner feelings, sex, lust. I realize I stay relatively “surface” in many ways. So, Lesley has opened my eyes to a part of my inner me.
Because connecting with people on an emotional level and them seeing a part of themselves in my words was the purpose of this book.
SO, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? As of the time of this posting there was a 1/31 chance to WIN a hard copy!
Have a wonderful day. I am off to create today. Not sure where I will start but I know it is what I need. Hugs, Lesley
I feel compelled to write about an incident that haunts me a bit. Every time I think of closed minds this encounter comes to mind.
A woman posted on LinkedIn a need for Press Releases for her column after which she would turn it into a promotion like story. I sent her mine only to be asked a number of questions. By the tone of the questions, I knew that I had to walk on eggshells with the answers.
Here they are:
What is your definition of a gypsy?
The true definition is often debatable but currently the Romanis hold the largest population of genuine Gypsies with a close following of the Pavee which are from Ireland and Tinkers from the UK. My definition for the purpose of this book is a person prone to wandering, unsettled and searching for answers which is more like a definition of a Gypsy Soul.
What is a pillar?
A pillar is a solid block of belief. 5 Pillars can be found in both Christianity and in Islam. In this book the ‘gypsy’ defines her own pillars as – Beginnings, Discoveries, Realities, Imagination and finally her own Musings then ultimately finding her way.
Is this like a novel in verse form?
No, it is not a novel in any respect. It is a series of stories told in the form of verse. I am not a classical poet but still hold the ability to paint a picture and tell a story in this format. The inclusion of my art allows the reader to delve further into the process of the journey.
What do you mean by a go to guide? Guide about what?
I have been told on many occasions that it is a book that is kept by the bed-side, or near the reading chair and picked up, read and applied to the reader’s own personal journey in life. I think what they mean is it is quite soothing to have another share their own thoughts and beliefs. Very often people think they are alone when in fact many of us are not if we learn to connect with like-minded souls.
What is your background in theology? What education do you have?
I am both a self-taught artist and writer. I have no formal education in either nor in theology. I absorb and study humanity and find it takes me to the same subjects which is religion and up bringing.
Many people see birds, representing peace in this piece of art. When I produced it – it was meant to represent the bloodshed that has interfered with the peace process for centuries. The top red figure is the crescent (Islam) the second figure is the cross (Christianity) and the three red figures bottom right are the tears shed along with blood. The underlay is a peace sign that has been desecrated.
Have any ministers read this to attest to its spiritual content?
The biggest attestations have come from those with a very strong belief in God and the Universe. It is not about one religion but about all religions and inspiring life philosophies. Each person receives messages in their own way. I have one poem about a pilgrimage which is obviously based in the Muslim faith but have had praise for that from born-again Christians. It may sound trite but love is a great religion. I have not asked any clergy read the book but who knows maybe they have and I am not aware of it
What are some quotes that other people said about it? You listed one on your web page, what are the others (if you have permission to publish them.)
What kind of person would enjoy this book? You said “anyone”, but that’s not a specific market. What need are you trying to meet?
If I was to be very specific I would say my target audience is female, anywhere, and someone who has gained life experience through adversity and is still working on challenges. The age range is where I have no gauge because it really depends on the person and their own search. On the other hand, some of my biggest surprises have come from how men have embraced what I write about.
Eventually she wrote back and in essence said as long as there is anything about Muslims she could not support it. She chose to produce a Vampire column instead
Thanks for reading my impromptu SELF-Interview today. I feel like I did not completely waste my time at least!
If anyone is interested in Prom Girls – a North American Rite of Passage – $19.99 please contact me directly for much better pricing (bulk pricing – 40% off including shipping for schools and non-profit groups are available) 25% off including shipping for single orders.
I also make myself available free-of-charge to non-profit groups and reading groups via Skype or similar.
I am an oxymoron and deal with it each day. You see I hate the haters of the world and won’t indulge into their play. Being me I take the time to walk in another’s shoes but even with the knowledge found – I have nothing to lose. Les
My heart is feeling quite heavy today as I am posting the last poem from my book ’5 Pillars of the Gypsy’. There are many more that have not been posted but I feel certain I have provided a good taste of my work in hopes that readers will buy my book! It was also as I felt when my manuscript was complete and all art in place. Bittersweet. I akin it to the concept of ‘letting go’ purging, cleansing. I posted this last week at my Inspiration Import Blog. Apologies if you receive it a second time.
The Cleanse in Abstract – Water colour
Letting go is a practised fight of mine that continues daily and for the most part I have mastered the art – I think… and then something pops up to remind me it is indeed a work in progress.
The Cleanse II in Abstract – Water colour
On the dedication page of my book I wrote ‘This is my Heart’. I didn’t write that for dramatic effect. The book really was a product of my heart, my soul, and parts of my own life I was ready to share.
In this poem I speak of God, the sea, the soul, simplicity, freedom, yesterdays and tomorrows and remedies, all of which fill my own heart each conscious waking hour.
Whew! so happy I don’t have to let go of my heart just yet. Perhaps I never will …
In the meantime I will close my eyes on occasion as listen closely in silence for guidance.
To Purchase this book please visit Amazon or for the e-book, Smashwords. Thanks so much for your continued support. Many people have contacted me letting me know that they have given this book as a gift! It has been well-received – Please contact me privately at lesley@lesleyfletcher.com for a savings coupon and I will supply the coupon and site. Lesley xx
I hope you enjoy it. IF you have an idea of a Genre you believe it would be best suited in or an idea of a voice, please let me know!! thanks, Lesley
