Italian Witchcraft: The Old Religion of Southern Europe

Family member liked this so much, I bought them another one for their bday!

I am interested in the way in which hierarchical societies have historically tried to destroy religions and belief systems which empowered individuals, making them less malleable to control by governments or by the "established church". Wholesale slaughter (as in the Crusades and "witch burning") were not seen as enough; there was also ongoing propaganda changing the names and symbols used by such groups/belief systems into terms of abuse or representations of evil. I haven't finished reading this book yet, but I get the feeling that it is more about the old practices and beliefs themselves, than about how people who practiced "witchcraft" in Italy were treated and regarded by the larger community - or even how they changed from BEING "the larger community" into being a hidden minority group. I have my doubts about the author's actual real knowledge, despite his claims. I suspect he has taken bits and pieces of half-knowledge and put them together with the use of his imagination, to fit his own ideas and beliefs. Maybe not! I'll read on...

This book is a gem. Well researched with tons of information that I didn’t know until I read this book. It gave me pride in my Italian heritage. Certain things my family did make much more sense now that I know this history. Interesting to read. Not all witchcraft comes from the British isles.

the author weaves true historic facts of italian witches who did better than those in europ yet kept the craft alive to today. id buy just for its history but it has even as much or more magickal ways to broaden the practicianer to better understandings how and why a good book.

Historical and amazing

This book enables and teaches you the Old Ways, so that you can incorporate them into your own practices. It has beautiful rituals and my favorite is The Passage of the Soul. This book is more informative than most others. I have owned it before, a signed copy. However along the path it was taken, so years later I purchased another copy. Because without it, I have no other reference that I deem as worthy. It is one of a kind

Hmmm, another reviewer said this book is an "updated and expanded" edition of Ways of the Strega...But I didn't see this book *advertised* as such. No where on the book covers- front or back- does it say that. I have read Ways of the Strega and I own the book for a few yrs now. I was very disappointed to get Grimassi's lastest book, (Italian Witchcraft) only to see that it's nothing more than a recap of EVERYTHING already written in Ways of the Strega, (and maybe a few things from his other books as well; again, which I already own). I could have saved my money and saved myself further disappointment in Grimassi.I wasn't too pleased with his last two books either; Wiccan Magick and Wiccan Mysteries. But "Italian Witchcraft" has finally made me decide I won't take a chance on any of his books in the future.Besides, anyone ever wonder WHY Grimassi flip-flops back and forth, one minute calling what he writes about "Wicca" next minute calling it "Italian Witchcraft"? Which is it Mr. Grimassi? And please don't try to tell me it's all one in the same.....

I'm Sicilian, by birth. This book helped me realize so much about being an elemental witch. I don't believe everything but like any Bible, there's hidden meanings here.

Italian Witchcraft: The Old Religion of Southern Europe In my opinion the title of this book should be 'Italian witchcraft for covens'. the synopsis claims that if you are an aspiring witch or magician it offers you a complete magickal & folkloric tradition & that you can use the magick to enhance your rituals. Not if you are a solo witch you can't! the rituals can only be performed in a coven, there are no suggestions given for solitary practitioners. Also if you are a beginner witch there are no reasons given for why particular herbs & ritual items are used for the individual rituals, nor any alternative suggestions given. If you are part of a coven or just want a history lesson the book is fine but I wanted the rituals & as a solo witch it's useless to me! There area few spells but to me that doesn't make the book worth having.I'd also like to add that the rituals are modern adaptations, the really old secret Italian witchcraft ones ( which is what was of interest to me)are not revealed in this book so it's a bit of a con really. Italian Witchcraft: The Old Religion of Southern Europe

love it

Very good and introduction.

Libro meraviglioso. Chiarisce molti punti oscuri sulla Wicca e il neo paganesimo dal momento che in materia c'è molta confusione.

Perfect thank you!This was so quick to arrive as well, I think I only ordered it a week ago, definitely a great bonus