In a world where ancient traditions often fade into obscurity, Mihaela Minca preserves and continues a rich heritage of mystical practice. Recognized as one of the most powerful witches in Europe, Mihaela comes from the oldest generation of nomadic Roma witches, where magic is not just a practice but a sacred legacy passed down through generations. Together with her four daughters – Ana Buzea, Casandra Buzea, Anda Mihaela, and Kalyandra – she forms a formidable coven dedicated to healing, empowerment, and the preservation of their cultural identity.
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In this exclusive interview with editor Katarina Doric, Mihaela opens up about the nuances of her craft and how it has evolved from the practices of her mother and grandmother. She talks about transforming centuries-old fears surrounding witchcraft into respect and understanding, and discusses the delicate balance between the secrecy of her practice and the aspects she chooses to share with the world. Mihaela also shares her personal journey of empowerment, both as a witch and as a woman navigating traditional gender roles within her community.
Witchcraft in your family is passed down through generations. How does your personal practice differ from that of your mother and grandmother, and how do you envision your daughters carrying it forward? – My practice is deeply rooted in the magic I inherited from my grandmother and mother. From a young age, I watched them perform rituals and help people, and I was drawn to do the same. I continue the traditions passed down through generations, but I have also evolved it to fit modern times. My daughters—Ana Buzea, Casandra Buzea, Anda Mihaela, and Kalyandra—are the future of our magic. They have learned from me and will carry forward our practices, while adding their own strengths and skills, especially with their knowledge of different languages and modern education. Together, we form the strongest covenant of witches in Europe.
Magic is a mystery, a labyrinth that you will never fully uncover. There are some things I will always keep hidden, as those are the secrets of my family, passed down through generations. However, I believe in sharing enough to help those who seek my guidance.
Fear has surrounded the image of the witch for centuries. How do you use your power to transform that fear into respect and understanding? – Fear of witches has been part of history since ancient times, and even in the days of kings and emperors, witches were burned at the stake because of the power they held. But I use my power to help people, to bring them happiness and light. When people come to me, they often arrive skeptical, but they leave with a newfound respect for magic because they see its results. Magic is a gift from God, and through my work, I show that it can be used for good, to solve problems and change lives for the better.
Witchcraft is often associated with secrecy and mystery. How do you decide which aspects of your practice to share publicly and which to keep hidden? – Magic is a mystery, a labyrinth that you will never fully uncover. There are some things I will always keep hidden, as those are the secrets of my family, passed down through generations. However, I believe in sharing enough to help those who seek my guidance. I have clients from all over the world, and my daughters help communicate with them. We share what is necessary to guide people, but we also know that some aspects of magic must remain sacred and private.
Can you describe a moment when you felt the most powerful as a witch? – One of the most powerful moments in my life has been helping people from all walks of life, from everyday individuals to international stars and global politicians. Performing rituals and seeing the positive impact it has on people’s lives makes me feel powerful. There is immense satisfaction when someone leaves my altar happy, having resolved their problems through the power of magic.
I aim to empower my community by teaching our magic and customs, and by showing that we can be part of modern society while holding on to our heritage.
The Roma community has historically faced discrimination and marginalization. How does your work as a witch help to challenge stereotypes and empower your community? – Discrimination against the Roma community has existed for centuries, even from the days of slavery. My work helps to break down stereotypes by showing the strength and beauty of our traditions. I aim to empower my community by teaching our magic and customs, and by showing that we can be part of modern society while holding on to our heritage. In the future, I plan to open a school where I will teach magic, as well as offer education to Roma people, so they can learn to navigate the world and overcome the marginalization they face.
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You mentioned another exciting project for the Roma community. Could you tell us more about it and your future plans? – Exclusively for your magazine, I’m excited to share the next major project we will begin after the opening of the witch school. We plan to create our own Roma political party, and I will be running for the presidency of the Roma community. While there are already established Roma parties, there has never been a Roma woman president. I believe that having a woman in this position—especially someone like myself, who understands and communicates directly with the people—will make a significant difference in supporting and uplifting the Roma community. My daughters and I will lead this initiative, and I will reveal more details about it soon.
Women should embrace their inner power and not be afraid to break societal expectations. Witchcraft is about reclaiming that power and using it to bring about positive change in the world.
Feminism and witchcraft share a common theme of reclaiming power. How do you see your work challenging traditional narratives about women’s roles and capabilities? – As a woman, a mother, and a witch, I have always seen my work as a way of reclaiming power. In Roma culture, women traditionally have specific roles, but as a witch, I have broken those boundaries. I challenge the idea that women should be limited in their roles by demonstrating the strength, wisdom, and spiritual authority that comes with practicing magic. My daughters will continue to carry this forward, showing that women can be leaders in both our community and beyond.
How do you personally reconcile the power dynamics between your role as a witch and the traditional gender roles in your community? – It has not always been easy, as there are strong expectations placed on women in our culture. But I have always believed that the power of a witch transcends these roles. In our community, a witch holds a unique position, and people come to me for help, guidance, and healing, regardless of their beliefs about traditional gender roles. My role as a witch allows me to empower not just myself, but other women as well.
What do you believe is the greatest lesson that modern women can learn from the witch’s path? – The greatest lesson modern women can learn from the witch’s path is to trust in their own strength and intuition. Magic is a powerful tool for self-discovery and empowerment, and it teaches us that we can shape our own destinies. Women should embrace their inner power and not be afraid to break societal expectations. Witchcraft is about reclaiming that power and using it to bring about positive change in the world.
The duality of witchcraft as a tool for both healing and harm is fascinating. How do you navigate the moral and ethical boundaries in your work, especially when it comes to curses or revenge? – A witch has the power to do both good and bad, just as a mill can grind anything. But with this power comes responsibility. I have always been mindful of the moral and ethical boundaries in my work. I focus on helping people heal, solve problems, and find happiness. While I can cast spells for protection and justice, I always consider the consequences of my actions and strive to use magic for good rather than harm.
What is the most powerful type of magic? – All magic is powerful in its own way, but the most powerful magic is the kind that brings light into people’s lives. Whether it’s helping someone find love, success in business, or peace of mind, magic has the ability to transform lives. But magic is also a mystery, and its true power lies in the connection between the witch and the forces of the universe.
The Internet has expanded your reach to a global audience. How has the digital age changed the way you practice witchcraft, and what are the challenges of maintaining authenticity in this new medium? – The Internet has allowed me to connect with clients from all over the world, which has been a blessing. My daughters help with communication, as they speak English and manage the connections with our clients. However, there are challenges, too. Unfortunately, there are people who use our name and pictures to create fake accounts, misleading others. It is important for people to verify they are speaking with the right person by calling through video. Maintaining authenticity in this digital age requires extra vigilance, but I always strive to ensure that those who come to me receive the real magic and guidance they seek.
During your time in California, you mentioned meeting witches from different cultures. What did you learn from these interactions, and how did they influence your own practice? – Meeting witches from different cultures in California was an enriching experience. It showed me that, although we may come from different traditions, we all share a common goal of using magic to heal and empower. These interactions helped me appreciate the diversity within witchcraft and inspired me to continue my own practice with an open mind, embracing both the old traditions of my family and the new insights I gained from other witches.
Intuition is at the core of my practice. A witch must be deeply in tune with herself and the world around her to perform magic effectively.
Some say that the power of a witch comes not from the supernatural but from deep self-awareness and intuition. How do you cultivate your inner power, and what role does intuition play in your practice? – Intuition is at the core of my practice. A witch must be deeply in tune with herself and the world around her to perform magic effectively. I cultivate my inner power through constant learning, reflection, and connecting with the forces of nature. Intuition helps guide me in making the right decisions in my spells and rituals, and it plays a crucial role in understanding the needs of the people who come to me for help.
Are there myths or legends that inspire your spells and rituals? – Yes, many of the spells and rituals I perform are inspired by the ancient myths and legends of our people. Our magic is intertwined with the history of the Roma, and these stories provide the foundation for much of what I do. They serve as a reminder of the power and wisdom that has been passed down through generations.
Do you believe that spells and charms can change one’s fate, or do they simply reveal what is already written? – I believe that magic has the power to influence fate, but it also reveals what is already in motion. Spells and charms can help guide a person toward a better path or reveal the truth of a situation, but in the end, much of our destiny is shaped by the choices we make and the energy we bring into the world.
Are there any simple rituals or practices people can do at home to attract positive energy, luck, or love? – Yes, there are simple rituals that anyone can practice at home to attract positive energy, luck, and love. These rituals don’t always require a witch, but if you find that they aren’t working as intended, it may be necessary to consult a spiritual specialist for further guidance.
- For luck: Take a teaspoon of salt and a teaspoon of sugar, place them in an earthen bowl, and cover it with a white cloth. Tie the cloth securely and place the bowl facing east. Leave it until sunset the next day, then hide it in your room for 40 days. This ritual will help increase abundance and return luck to your life.
- For love: Take three red rose petals, a teaspoon of honey, a teaspoon of sugar, and three scales from a swimming fish. Wrap them in a red cloth and place it under your pillow for 40 days. The love and affection you seek will come to you, as honey sticks to the hand and sugar to the mouth. Just as a fish struggles to swim on dry land, so too will love strive to be close to you. This will help you find happiness and deepen the bond with the one you love.
What would you hope to teach the next generation of witches, and how would you ensure that these traditions are preserved and respected? – I hope to teach the next generation of witches the importance of respect, responsibility, and the true power of magic. My daughters will continue to pass down our family’s traditions, and we are preparing to open a school of magic to share our knowledge with others. By teaching the next generation, we will ensure that these ancient traditions are preserved and respected for years to come.
Originally published in DSCENE “Wicked Wonderland” print issue.
wow she is amazing 🤩
Roma community gets so much crap and I love this interview ! Bravo DSCENE 🙏