Italian folk witchcraft, also known as Strega or Stregheria, is a form of witchcraft that originates from Italy. It is deeply rooted in the traditions and beliefs of the Italian people, and has been practiced for centuries. Stregheria is a blend of various cultural and religious influences, including ancient Roman mythology, Etruscan practices, and even elements of Catholicism. It is a highly individualistic and eclectic practice, with each practitioner having their own unique approach and set of beliefs. One of the key aspects of Italian folk witchcraft is the belief in the power of the natural world. Practitioners often work closely with herbs, plants, and animals in their magical practices.
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The author details his own experiences preparing for death, including a painful tattooing process inspired by the ancient Egyptian Books of the Netherworld. The author details his own experiences preparing for death, including a painful tattooing process inspired by the ancient Egyptian Books of the Netherworld.
Practitioners often work closely with herbs, plants, and animals in their magical practices. They believe that these natural elements have their own spirits and energies, which can be harnessed and utilized for various purposes. Another important aspect of Italian folk witchcraft is the use of ritual and ceremony.
The Twelve Gates: A Spiritual Passage Through the Egyptian Books of the Dead (Paperback)
In The Twelve Gates, clinical anthropologist John Rush embarks on a spellbinding journey through death rituals in various cultures, centering on the ancient Egyptian philosophy of death and resurrection. The first part of the book provides an overview of different rituals, encouraging readers to confront their feelings about death and to reevaluate their lives. The author details his own experiences preparing for death, including a painful tattooing process inspired by the ancient Egyptian Books of the Netherworld. He then guides readers through the Twelve Gates of the Underworld, symbolic ritual stages during which they can figuratively experience death and rebirth. A set of full-color tarot cards, designed by the author, is included as an aid in passing through each of the Gates. These ancient rituals, performed by pharaohs and priests for thousands of years, help ease the way toward a peaceful, conscious death.
John A. Rush, PhD, N.D., is a Professor of Anthropology at Sierra College, Rocklin, California, teaching Physical Anthropology and Magic, Witchcraft and Religion. He is the author of several books on Clinical Anthropology, the application of anthropological concepts to psychotherapeutic and physical healing. He is also a Naturopathic Doctor and Medical Hypnotherapist in private practice.
- Body, Mind & Spirit / Ancient Mysteries & Controversial Knowledge
- Social Science / Death & Dying
- Social Science / Anthropology / Cultural & Social
While one part of the soul stayed behind in the decaying body, the essence of the soul had to make its journey through the netherworld. But this wouldn’t be an easy trip.
Practitioners often perform rituals to mark significant events or milestones, such as births, weddings, or the changing of seasons. These rituals often involve the use of symbolic objects, such as candles, crystals, or sacred symbols. In Italian folk witchcraft, there is also a strong focus on healing and protection. Many practitioners are skilled in the use of natural remedies and charms to heal physical ailments or protect against negative energies. They may also use divination techniques, such as reading tarot cards or interpreting dreams, to gain insights and guidance for themselves or others. Furthermore, Italian folk witches often have a strong connection to their ancestors and ancestral traditions. They may honor and seek guidance from their ancestors through rituals and offerings. This ancestral connection is seen as a source of wisdom and strength in their practice. It is important to note that Italian folk witchcraft is a deeply personal and spiritual practice, and is not to be confused with the negative stereotypes often associated with witchcraft. While some practitioners may refer to themselves as witches, their practice is rooted in a love and respect for nature, and a desire to live in harmony with the world around them. In conclusion, Italian folk witchcraft is a rich and diverse tradition that is deeply intertwined with the cultural and religious beliefs of the Italian people. It is a practice that celebrates the natural world and seeks guidance from the spirits and energies that reside within it. Through rituals, healing practices, and a connection to their ancestors, practitioners of Italian folk witchcraft seek to live in harmony with the world around them and find meaning and purpose in their lives..
Reviews for "Italian Folk Witchcraft: Honoring the Moon and Lunar Magick"
1. Sarah - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "Italian folk witchcraft" but it fell short of my expectations. The book lacked depth and was poorly organized. Instead of providing a comprehensive guide to Italian folk witchcraft, it felt like a mishmash of random information without any clear structure or flow. Additionally, I found the writing style to be dry and uninspiring. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to others.
2. Michael - 1/5 - I found "Italian folk witchcraft" to be highly misleading. The title made it sound like it would delve into the rich history and practices of Italian folk witchcraft but instead, it barely scratched the surface. The author barely mentioned any specific rituals, spells, or traditions, and instead focused on general information that was already widely known. There was no real depth or substance to the book, and I felt like I wasted my time reading it. I would not recommend this book to anyone genuinely interested in Italian folk witchcraft.
3. Emily - 3/5 - While "Italian folk witchcraft" had some interesting aspects, overall, I found it to be lacking. The book lacked detailed explanations and failed to provide practical advice for those interested in practicing Italian folk witchcraft. It felt more like an overview rather than a comprehensive guide. Additionally, the author's writing style was often convoluted and hard to follow, making it difficult to understand the concepts being presented. While it wasn't a terrible book, I would suggest exploring other resources for a more in-depth understanding of Italian folk witchcraft.