Introduction

The current Romani flag you see above was founded in 1971, at the World Romani Congress near London. Since 1933, the Romani have had a flag, but it didn't have the Ashoka Chakra in the center until 1971.

To me, the Romani flag is an attempt by certain Romani authorities to bring a sense of oneness amongst the culturally diverse Roma. This is a blessing to many Romani Clans world wide. I know that many Roma want to be seen a people, not a life-style; Roma want to be seen as a culture, not a fashion; and the flag is a stepping stone to bringing this about.

Roma Cultural Diversity

A problem that could arise with having a flag is that it may give the impression that all Roma are culturally similar - which is very far from the reality.
From my understanding, Roma have to be one of the most culturally diverse people of the world.

There are various elements that give a culture specific traits, which may include:
1. Geography and environment.
2. Resource availability.
3. Education.
4. Health.
5. Historical influence.
6. Government.
7. Religion.

Roma have adapted in various ways to their desired countries. And all the above points have influenced them in different ways. Some characteristics that influence how deep Romani people adapt to the above cultural traits are:
1. Tradition - How traditional are the Vitsa (Clan)? Do they want to remain apart from their desired country or integrate?
2. Survival - Survival instincts will naturally lead Visti (Clans) to integrate. For example, some governments in certain countries are intolerant of other spiritual persuasions.

Those who do adapt, adapt in various levels. Some adapt fully, for example, by not teaching their children their customs or language or even heritage. Others adapt in part, having the appearance that they have integrated, but really, they are still as traditional as they come.

I don't want to digress further into adaptation - my point is that Roma are very diverse.

Let me enunciate, because it seems that even Roma don't get it.

Roma - are - very - diverse!

Our features differ from country to country.
Our customs differ from country to country.
Our language differs from country to country.
Our religion differs from country to country.

That is why when I speak about the Romani people, I always make it clear that it is my Romani Vitsi (Clans) I'm associated with.

When it comes to our Vitsi (Clans), we are a very independent group. I know that when I have spoken to some cousins, they don't care who or what other Roma are doing or believe in. They are very family oriented. In our Vitsi (Clans), what matters the most, is not what Tom, Dick and Harry are up to, but the welfare of our people.

This is what we are like. Personally, I appreciate diversity. Hence, I'm a anomaly in our Vitsi (Clans) in that I tend to reach out - a liaison with "outsiders", so to speak. I also like to share what our Vitsi (Clans) believe in - something very rare, since our people are so culturally-exclusive.

Realising the cultural diversity and variety amongst the Romani folki, let us not assume that the flag represents one colour of Romani, when the Romani are as diverse as the spectrum. More so than most world cultures, you cannot put us in a box and label us.

My Romani Flag Interpretation

So back to the topic - the flag.
The flag represents to me not so much a cultural identity, but more so, a cultural ideology. I cannot see Romani people burning the flag, or dying for the flag. And I rarely find patriotic Roma.

The cultural ideology that I see in the flag is wonderful. It fills me with pride and a sense of oneness that some of our people have long lacked - despite our diversity, we are still brothers and sisters in blood and spirit.

I think that the green and blue represent heaven and earth, but also Romanestan; or, in a broader sense, Gaia - Mother Earth.

A member of the World Romani Congress stated that the "blue is the blue sky and the heavens. Green is the land, organic and growing. The blue symbolizes eternal spiritual values; the green earthly values." This intepretation warms my heart, since I believe that one of the unique truths that some Romani Visti (Clans) have reserved throughout the ages is the Hermetic principle: As above, so below. As below, so above - this is represented by the unity of the spiritual and earthly values.

The Wheel, for me, represents both the Vardo Wheel and the Chakra (and a little more as you will see). Once again, a member of the World Romani Congress stated that "The wheel in the center symbolizes movement and progress."

It is interesting that the Chakra represented in the flag is the Throat Chakra. I believe that the voice of the Romani people will create much positive change on Earth. Could be through prayer or making our voice publicly heard, amongst other ways.
The Throat Chakra also has connections with intuitive guidance, prayer, balance of appetite (carnal drive) and love (spiritual substance), lucid dreaming, singing (music), clairaudience and so on.

To me, the Wheel also represents motion and power, and the ability to move ever forward in perseverance. It also represents truth and power and the noble path to Moksha/Samadhi/Nirvana (whatever you want to call it).

The red of the flag has strong spiritual significance. Red being associated with spiritual and physical fire, protection, war, blood, sacrifice (not necessarily killing, but laying those things aside to achieve Moksha - Liberation), love, health, will power and so on.

Yeah, I really like the flag.

What is a prearranged intermarriage? For us, it is the authoritative arrangement of a marriage within our Romani nations. It is understood amongst our people that it is Vujo Romaniya (Pure Roma Law) to marry within our own people, and it is a matter of respect, honour and internalized duty to see that our bloodlines remain "pure".

Some reasons for Prearranged Intermarriages:

1. Eugenics - improving our bloodlines. One of the most important reasons for prearranged intermarriages. The survival and quality of our bloodline is extremely important to us.
2. Settle disputes amongst Clans.
3. Traditional matchmaking.
4. Spiritual alliances - which is the case between Rhiannon's and my prearranged intermarriage.
5. Strengthen family name and/or honour.

Prearranged intermarriages are not a unique nuptial underwent within our Romani Clans. In fact, there are many families, and cultures that find benefits in prearranged intermarriages. And yet, in most people's worldview, prearranged intermarriages create various reactions. Some find it an uncomfortably foreign concept. While others believe we are being elitist, and guard themselves against our "segregationist mentality".

I think it is important to understand that everyone has different worldviews, and what may be very comfortable for some, it may be taboo for others. I'm proud to belong to Clans that are very open-minded. We understand, and teach our children, that even though we may have these traditions, there is still a whole realm of possibilities out there!

It is true that in this era, unlike past eras, the young people are finding a strong pull to experiment with various conjugal possibilities. There are many members in our Clans that find this a little disconcerting, but there are others that see it as another change that life has brought about.

While some young people find the need to experiment and find out what else the world has to offer, there are others like myself and my wife who find that our traditions and Old Ways wise, and cling to them.

To me, prearranged intermarriage sounds like a sterile characterisation for something that revolves around one of the most sacred elements about our people - and that is OUR SEXUALITY.

One's sexuality, no matter now nescient you may be, is a crucial part of our humanity. In our Clans, some of our most crucial laws protect and guide us to achieve the most we can from our sexual experiences.

In our Clans, our sexuality is also an all-important essence in our spirituality. Prearranged intermarriages are only a small facet of our moral principles and precepts.

There is so much to say about this subject, and I prefer to be concise and I will end by saying that when looking at other cultures, even other Clans within our own culture (if you are Roma), it is important to remember that there is so much diversity out there. Just because we may be very different from each other, it doesn't mean either one of us is right or wrong, because it is not about seeing things black and white, but instead, seeing the infinite amount of colours in the rainbow, which is our beautiful Romani culture.

It is an exhilarating experience when we can see past our own boundaries, and see an extraordinarily diverse world out there. And to those that may happen upon these customs that disagree with yours, what makes you think that I'm responsible to live up to your expectations?

I'm a free man, to do as my heart's desires believe.

Salutations cyber farers, I would like to extend a cordial invitation to anyone who is interested in learning about the Romani Old Ways. Today, Romanies (Gypsies) who are followers of the Old Ways are in the minority, or maybe we just don't make our beliefs very public. Whatever the case may be, I have been blessed to share the beliefs we Romani folki have held privy for thousands of years.

We are living in a remarkable Age, an Age that has been marked for global ascension, an Age where those things once hidden will come to the fore. In this Age, the Veil between the planes of existance are thin, and those of us who have been in the occult are making ourselves known.

Let's just say the time is an opportune and appropriate time for this happening. 

Please, if it feels right to you, come and join us Roma Old Ways. We are a small humble group of individuals, both Gadje (non-Roma) and Roma, who understand the importance of a quality, issue-free site where education and deep relationships are promoted.

Visit Roma Old Ways

I see you have smelled out my cave at CovenSpace. Congratulations. It is could be the first step for a long lasting relationship - but most likely not. Still, this is a moment where we can "meet" in this great technology called the Internet. Even if it is for a fleeting moment of time, here you are, here I am.

 With one foot above, and the other below, I sense the tendrils of the ether reach out and allow me to slip into the soothingly soft embrace of the Neteru. My blood runs hot with the fire of my mysterious ancestry - Egypt, Sumer, and beyond to fair Sirius.

The infinite possibilities of life are open to me, and I rest assured and at peace, Master of the all-powerful Beast known as mySelf.