Sicilian folk magic refers to a traditional form of magical practices and beliefs that originate from the island of Sicily in Italy. It is deeply rooted in the cultural and historical context of the region and has been shaped by a combination of influences, including ancient Greek and Roman traditions, Arab and Islamic traditions, as well as Catholicism. Sicilian folk magic is known for its emphasis on healing, protection, and divination. Practitioners, often referred to as streghe (witches) or lanzias (healers), utilize a range of techniques and rituals to achieve desired outcomes. These practices often involve the use of various talismans, herbs, candles, and prayers. One key aspect of Sicilian folk magic is the belief in the evil eye, or "malocchio.
One key aspect of Sicilian folk magic is the belief in the evil eye, or "malocchio." It is believed that certain individuals possess the ability to inadvertently transmit harmful energy through their gaze, causing misfortune or harm to others. To counteract the effects of the evil eye, various protective measures are employed, such as wearing talismans, burning specific herbs, or reciting prayers.
Witchcraft, Folklore, Polytheism
Hey! That’s wonderful! They’re surprisingly difficult to find any accurate information on!
My best resources are the article by Sabina Magliocco titled Witchcraft, healing, and vernacular magic in Italy, a less reliable article (that mixes witch-lore and folk magic all together) by J.B. Andrews called Neapolitan Witchcraft, and Carlo Ginzburg’s book The Night Battles about the benandanti in Friuli (Northeastern region of Italy).
If anyone knows any other sources feel free to list them!
Italian witch lore is very old, as there have been legends of witches in this region for a very long, accountable period. The word strega (witch) most likely comes from the Latin strix (screech owl) which witches were thought to take the shape of in the night. The practice of witchcraft is called stregoneria, a male witch is a stregone, and a female witch is a strega.
There are more legends of Italian witches in the south (particularly near Naples). One of the most famous is the story of the witches of Benevento, who convened beneath a walnut tree on a hill therein, and danced and worshiped the Devil. This tree was supposedly cut down.
There is a popular image of a witch who arises among Christian tradition in Italy, even still today. This witch is called Old Befana or Bella Befana(Bruta Befana, Bella Befana or Vecchia Befana) who is a good witch who lived alone in a small cottage. One day, three wise men knocked on her door. “Behold! The child of God is born, (yada yada) we’re going to find him and bring him gifts! Will you join us Old Befana?” Now, Old Befana was glad to hear the news and excited to meet the new babe and give it what gifts she could. However, she was not one to shuck her responsibilities so she said she would have to wait until her chores were completed. They agreed and she saw them off, before finishing her cleaning. Once her duties were completed, she packed up her presents for the babe, hopped promptly onto the broom she had just finished sweeping with, and flew out the chimney into the cold night. However, they had not told her how to find them again! Not wanting to deny the boy his gifts, she decided to give some to all the little children she passed on her way, as any might be the new born child of God. Every year on that same night, Old Befana rides out on her broom and deposits gifts for little children, in hopes that one day she will finally find the baby Jesus and give him the presents she has been holding all this time.
In southern Italy, many of the tales of witches (streghe) and folk healers (fattucchiere, or ‘fixers’) tell of the songs they sing to work their magic. Unfortunately, this seems to be all anyone knows on the subject, and I can’t find any references or information on these songs!
In lore, the witches of both benevolent and malefic natures are closely related or interchangeable with more faerie-like spirits. The Janare of Naples/Janas of Sardinia (lit. followers of Diana) are magical women said to live in Neolithic shaft tombs and are expert weavers and spinners. They sometimes intermarry with humans, but are very different from the cogas (or little cooks) of Sardinia, who are malefic witches that cook and eat their victims.
Most folk magic in Italy has died out, even in many of the rural areas. What is documented and what remains is all, unsurprisingly, Catholic magic. Much of it draws to saints, prayers, and Catholic holy tools. One name for this form of magic is benedicaria. However, much of it seems more agricultural or magical and less religious in nature. There is no point assuming this other source is pagan, because we could never prove where almost of any of it originated.
Most witchcraft you will find today in Italy, especially in urbanized areas, is of a New Age or Neo-pagan persuasion. Neo-Wicca is about the best you can hope to find, and even that is comparatively rare to that found in Great Britain, Australia, and the U.S.
In conversations about Italian magic and witchcraft, Raven Grimassi’s book Italian Witchcraft tends to come up. THIS BOOK IS UTTER BULLSHIT. HOGWASH. STUFF AND NONSENSE. It’s almost literally just Neo-Wicca with different names and some made up information. I’m not exaggerating. If you have this book, it’s better off as kindling than on your bookshelf. Just saying.
Charles Leland’s book Aradia: The Gospel of the Witches is a pretty piece of poetry, and perhaps has some truths in it, but it can never be relied upon. His source is not credible, and the information doesn’t add up well. It is a beautiful book, but not an accurate account of Italian magic or witchcraft.
Here are a few blog posts I have made relating to Italian witchcraft and folk magic:
My grandmother wasn’t a warm woman. She had seven children and dozens of grandchildren — and she brutally picked favorites. The fear of God led her to judgment and cruelty in many ways, and we were not close for many reasons. As a child, she didn’t hold me in her lap or stroke my hair or care for me. She visited, we made dishes and dishes of food, she told me I was too skinny, and she sent me scapulars and bottles of holy water. She also warned me about the Devil and told me ghost stories. They were violent and strange and they haunt me today — the man who killed himself in her basement. The child swinging on a chandelier. The old woman dressed in black who came in and out of the house.
Another important tradition within Sicilian folk magic is the use of charms and amulets. These objects are believed to possess magical properties and can be worn or carried as a form of protection or to attract specific blessings. Common examples include the cornicello, a small red horn-shaped pendant believed to ward off the evil eye, and the mano cornuta, a hand gesture made with the index and pinky fingers raised, also used to protect against negative energy. Sicilian folk magic also incorporates practices related to divination and fortune-telling. This can include methods such as palm reading, tarot card reading, or interpreting dreams. These practices are often used to gain insight into the future or to seek guidance on specific matters. Catholicism has also had a significant influence on Sicilian folk magic. Many practitioners combine elements of Catholic ritual and prayer with their magical practices. For example, they may incorporate prayers to saints or perform rituals in conjunction with specific religious holidays. This blending of Catholicism with traditional folk beliefs reflects the complex and syncretic nature of Sicilian culture. In conclusion, Sicilian folk magic is a fascinating and multifaceted tradition that is deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of Sicily. Its rich history and diverse influences make it a unique and complex system of magical beliefs and practices. From healing and protection to divination and fortune-telling, the practitioners of Sicilian folk magic continue to keep these ancient traditions alive in the modern world..
Reviews for "Sicilian Folk Magic: Communicating with Saints and Deities"
1. Jessica - 2 stars - I was really excited to read "Sicilian folk magic" as I am fascinated by the topic. However, I found the book to be quite disappointing. The writing style was dull and lacked the magic that I was expecting. The author failed to fully explain and explore the rich cultural heritage of Sicilian folk magic, leaving me feeling unsatisfied. Overall, I would not recommend this book to others who are genuinely interested in learning about this fascinating subject.
2. Mark - 1 star - "Sicilian folk magic" was an absolute bore. The author seemed more focused on showcasing their own knowledge and expertise on the subject rather than engaging the reader. The book was overly academic and lacked any real practicality. Instead of providing clear instructions or guidance, it was filled with historical references and obscure facts. I was left feeling confused and unfulfilled. Save your time and money, and skip this one.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I was really excited to delve into the world of Sicilian folk magic, but unfortunately, this book did not meet my expectations. The author's writing style was dry and repetitive, making it difficult to stay engaged. The lack of practical examples and hands-on exercises made it hard to apply the knowledge gained from the book. I struggled to maintain interest throughout and ultimately felt underwhelmed. If you're looking for a more comprehensive and practical guide on Sicilian folk magic, I suggest looking elsewhere.