Italian Witchcraft: The Old Religion of Southern Europe

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 336 pages
• Published by: Llewellyn Publications; 2 Sub edition February 1, 2000
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 1567182593
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-1567182590
• Book Dimensions: 9 x 7.5 x 0.9 inches
• Weighs: 1.2 pounds

Product Description
Trace the roots of the Italian Pagan tradition as it survives the times, confronted by Christianity, revived in the 14th century by the Holy Strega and passed on as the legend of Aradia to the present day. Explore the secrets of Janarra (lunar) witches, Tanarra (star) witches and Fanarra (ley line) witches. Their ancient wisdoms come together here for both theoretical understanding and everyday practice. Readers will learn the gospel of Aradia and the powerful practice of "casting shadows", an ancient tradition only now available to the public.

Publisher Description
         Italian Witchcraft (previously titled Ways of the Strega) by Raven Grimassi is really an achievement. This outstanding  book about Stregheria looks at the history of the tradition, showing its antiquity through a variety of sources. It also has the complete myth of Aradia and the teachings of the Holy Strega. Finally, it contains a workbook with all of the rituals for the holidays as well as many of the magical techniques. In short, it is a complete Book of Shadows! And most importantly, you can use it to make the changes you need in your life.
In the chapter titled "The Art of Casting Spells," the magical methods of the Strega are revealed. Raven writes that "The art of spell casting incorporates many different aspects. Most spells include the use of various types of candles, herbs, charms, oils and so on. Also common to most spells is the verse or incantation." He then goes on to reveal all of the methods, including different types of verses to use and herbs for different magical purposes. You'll learn that you should use white candles for rituals of protection, pink ones for friendship and green ones for success. You'll also learn the Protective Pentagram Spell, the Spell of the Witches' Pentagram, the Spell of St. Anthony (to win or reclaim a lover), and much more.
I think you'll find that this will be one of the most valuable books you can have. Whether you are looking for historical information or practical techniques, this book will satisfy you. Always interesting and intriguing, you'll find yourself studying the histories, honoring the myths and practicing the magick.
The path of the Strega may be the path that leads you to greater success and happiness. You owe it to yourself to find out.




Reader Reviews
This is an absolutely fantastic book! Raven Grimassi, you've done it again! Following your own creed of 'adding, but not taking away', this is an expanded and updated version of 'Ways of the Strega' which so many of us found a strong attraction to years ago. For anyone interested in where the 'Craft' really comes from, where the 'roots' are, and returning to the 'source', this is an essential read. For those looking to understand the 'how's and whys' of what grandma (or 'nonna') used to do, and what they remember from childhood, this is a great place to look. The sections that have been updated from 'Ways' are really interesting, particularly the Tuscan tradition info, and the comparison between what some claim were 'Gardner originals' with what has existed before. As with 'ways', alot of information is hidden amoungst the passages, requiring the reader to seriously think about the ideas presented; one the tricks to how Raven writes, with several levels of meaning available to the aspiring student, making it fun and necessary to reread the book several times. So if the full moon calls you to look skyward and remember the 'Old Ways'; to remember Diana, Artemis, Aradia, Hecate, to think of warm nights in Tuscany, and celebrating Mother Earth, then this will be something you'll definitely find intereting......