We Borrow the Earth : An Intimate Portrait of the Gypsy Shamanic Tradition and Culture

by Patrick Jasper Lee

Gypsies have long been a source of both fascinationa and fear.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Spirituality, Magick

224 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2000

About the author

Author of We Borrow the Earth & Coming Home to the Trees, its follow-up.

Fiction: Beyond a Near Water, Through Forest Mist, Around Dark Fires, from the series: The Long Reflection.

I live a quiet life and usually say the unsayable. I am an autistic synaesthete, which I also write about.

All my books are available on Amazon worldwide, in paperback and on kindle.

Reviews

[Maegan Elfert · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a brilliant, beautiful book. The loss of our tribal nomadic culture coincides with our cateless treatment of Mother Earth and it's become a scar we all carry from generation to generation. I have always been fascinated by different histories, cultures and customs from all over the world but none have resonated so deeply as the Romania people and their traditions.
Thank you for sharing your world and wisdom with the rest of us Patrick Jasper Lee. Perhaps the curse can be lifted if others can see the magic of sharing and respecting and giving back to our Earth as she gives us to us. Much love and admiration to your ancestors and your pesent day people who have the courage to keep going in the face of an unforgiving world.

[Stephie Jane Rexroth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspired and inspiring. Much gratitude, love and respect to Patrick Jasper Lee for sharing his gifts of culture, tradition and experiences in such a gentle, causal and conversational manner. Reading his work is like sitting in the woods around a campfire, listening to his stories, which contain much knowledge and many lessons for us as apprentices, teaching us about the Romani Gyspy way and helping us to acknowledge, know and walk our own shamanic 'drom' (road, path or way). Highly recommend.

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"… The 'Biti Foki' [the fairy people] will, however, invariably become your friends if you have proved yourself worthy and respectful of them.

"It has been said that only special people pass the test to become a 'Chovihano' [/'Chovihani': (m/f) Gypsy shaman, healer, sorcerer, witch, wizard], for the 'Biti Foki' will always ask for a great deal in return for the knowledge and protection they can give. In many Romani Gypsy stories it is common for them to ask for 'meat' when testing human beings—that is, actual flesh. This always represents facing all the things you would really prefer to avoid. It is, collectively, all the fears and dark spots within you, which you will be called upon to sacrifice for the sake of developing your ancient craft—not an easy thing to do. I have seen many walk away from the shamanic path when realizing what will be demanded of them. In my own culture, and indeed in my own experience, it is not for the faint-hearted.

"But once a 'Chovihano' has exhibited the courage to face his fears, the 'Biti Foki' will look upon him kindly. And there is a sunny, golden, magical world deep down in the Earth where the 'Biti Foki' reside, waiting for him when he has finally made the grade. The 'Biti Foki' will then be his friends forever and will stand by him whatever happens."

[Linda Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book remained soft-spoken and gentle, but there's a portion of the Romani Gypsy culture portrayed here that is at odds with my feminist view of the world. It is, after all, Mother Nature, that we need to be in tune with - and including words in the glossary that relate "dark magic" around women in nature doesn't suit.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this book for an essay but put it aside because I couldn't find the information that I needed. I enjoyed this book because of the opportunity to learn about a people I knew virtually nothing on. I did wish that there were excerpts from other writers and Roma but the author was a great guide and presented the information beautifully. I did find that the last chapters dragged but will note I was very engaged in the first part of the book.

[Jeremy Landau · Rating 4 out of 5]

An uplifting and insightful exploration of the Rom culture, it's history and background in history with important messages for our lives, today.

[Duffy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved everything about this book

[Annie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing. I expected more history. But, I still learned a little.

[Jess d'Artagnan · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is no other book like this that I know of. A thorough explanation from a credible expert on the topic.

[Dirty Magpie]

Oh dear.

[Filippa · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone with distant Romani heritage, this book was a wonderful way to connect with the culture of my ancestors - which until reading this book, I knew virtually nothing about. I think for the wider public in general, it provides a bridge over the void of ignorance and prejudice that has been ingrained in society for so long. Patrick Jasper Lee has obviously gone to great effort to research as much as possible about the Romani gypsy history, linguistics and culture to present a more balanced, objective view instead of only using his own memories and experiences. It is a book of great soul and passion. I loved listening to his stories from his childhood and experiences as a Chovihano and the way he would approach the reader at their level, gently but thoroughly addressing each idea and misconception we may have about aspects of the gypsy existence. It is definitely one of those books where you need to take regular breaks in reading it to absorb and process what you are reading, as it is so jam-packed with information. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is interested in shamanism or intrigued by the concept of the gypsy - and also to people who fear/revile them. A superb read! Well Done Mr Lee!

[Krystle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating.