Shed some light on a "veil"

[raven1844]

Hello, I am wondering if folks here can shed some light on a few things about some questions I have about me and my family.

My grandmother passed away this past week at the age of 85. At the visitation, funeral, and luncheon, family stories and tales were being shared, and I learned something that I had not heard before.

A relative told me that my grandmother and father were both born with something called a "Gypsy Veil". They said it was some kind of skin covering their face (like the foreskin of a penis) which was removed at birth, and was saved in olden times as a "good luck charm" of sorts. They said that the old timers would also use these as some sort of tool to divine fortunes.

I have searched the internet for "Gypsy Veil" but haven't found any information. I was going to ask my Dad directly about this, but I had been told that he never wanted to talk about this.

My Grandma was a very special person, and she lived a very simple life, and was always at one with nature. She liked to gather Morel Mushrooms, hunted in the woods, and also gathered wild ginseng. I don't know if I would go so far as to say they have or had any kind of psychic ability, but I would say that they were/are both spiritually blessed people. Any information regarding this would be apreciated, as I would like to learn more about this special lady.

Thank you!

[Turnsteel]

Well, this forum is for helping people chose and use Luckymojo spiritual goods, its not a general occult or folk magic forum. However it sounds like the person was born with a caul. Looking and doing research that term should point you in the right direction rather then looking for "gypsy veil," which sounds like a regional term.

Good luck.

[ConjureMan]

Definately sounds like a caul. Some traditions old that being born with a caul indicates that the person may be gifted for spiritual work, especially with what is called by some the "Sight." I'm sure LM may have an article on this someone in their vast archives. A search of their articles may be beneficial for you.

[catherineyronwode]

A "veil" is indeed another name for a "caul." It is not like "the foreskin of a penis" -- it is a fragment of the amniotic sac that surrounds the developing fetus. This is the membrane that holds in a woman's "bag of waters" or the amniotic fluid that surrounds the developing baby. When the baby is about to be born, the membrane tears and the fluid gushes out. This is what folks mean when they say "her waters broke."

Now, even though the "waters" flow out, that membrane has to come out too, along with the baby, and very often it gets wrapped up around the baby. If the baby is born with the membrane over its face, that is called "being born with a veil" or "being born with a caul." Unless the caul is taken off quickly, the baby may smother, so it is an unusual occurrence and always noted by the person who delivers the baby and thus becomes part of family lore.

The meaning given to being born with a veil is that one has second sight -- they can see the spirit world and may be able to prophesy or have unusual insight into the lives of others. Thus we hear the term "Gypsy veil," because Gypsies are also said to be people who are gifted to see the future.

[raven1844]

Thank you all for your replies - I have found more information searching for the term "Caul" as you have indicated - Thank you again