Stregheria

[Faeawyn]

I do not necessarily follow this path...but am very interested in learning more about it...as I do seem to be drawn to it. I was hoping others who either practice it, or know more about it would add to this thread.
This is what I know so far.

Stregheria~

In the fourteenth-century, a Wise Woman who called herself Aradia brought back a revival of the Old Religion, La Vecchia Religione. In central Italy, witches of old worshipped the goddess Diana and her consort, the god Dianus. In Italy, Witches do not use the word Sabbat for their seasonal rites. The Italian word is Trequenda (tray-gwen-da). There are eight Treguendas that make the "Wheel of the Year". They are...

*Shadowfest-October 31st
*Winter Solstice-December 21st/22nd
*Lupercus-February 2nd
*Spring Equinox-March 21st/22nd
*Tana's Day-May 1st
*Summer Solstice-June 21st/22nd
*Cornucopia-August Eve
*Autumn Equinox-September 21st/22nd

The Gifts of Aradia and Tenets of Belief In the fourteenth century, Aradia taught that the traditional powers of a witch would belong to any who followed in the ways of the Old Religion. Aradia called these powers gifts, because she stressed the point that these powers were benefits of adhering to the Old Ways, and not the reason for becoming a witch. These are the powers:

~To bring succes in love
~To bless and consecrate
~To speak with spirits
~To know of hidden things
~To call forth spirits
~To know the Voice of the Wind
~To possess the knowledge of transformation
~To possess the knowledge of divination
~To know and understand secret signs
~To cure disease
~To bring forth beauty
~To have influence over wild beasts
~To know the secrets of the hands

~~Tenets of Belief~~
~We believe that the Source of All Things(The Great Spirit) is both masculine and feminine in nature.
~We believe that humans bear the Divine Spark of their Creator within themselves(soul/spirit). And that we are actually spiritualBeings who are temporarily encased in physical matter.
~We believe in Reincarnation and view it as a process for Spiritual Liberation from the physical dimension.
~We believe in psychic abilities and the supernatural as normal conditions which have been suppressed by the Judaic/Christian Culture, but can be restored through the practice of the Old Ways.
~We believe in Magic as a manifestation of energy that is directed by the mind through various ancient techniques.
~We believe in Spiritual Worlds and Spiritual Beings.
~We believe in the Law of Action and Reaction, and that what we do affects others, and what others do affects us. Therefore we strive to live in peace with those around us.
~We believe in Karma, meaning that we believe in responsibility and consequences.
~We believe in love, life and harmony as the spiritual foundation of our ways.
~We believe in the expression of religious beliefs through rituals and festivals.
~We believe in Earth Energy, meaning that we acknowledge places of natural power existing upon our planet. We hold that the same is true for natural objects.
~We believe in a positive Afterlife and a successful Spiritual Evolution.
~We believe that everything in Nature is of equal importance. Everything is linked and entwined beyond seperation.

Most of this information comes from Ways of the Strega by Raven Grimassi.

[Forest_Faerie]

I have been interested in this path in the past, but couldn't find very much information on it. It seemed like a family tradition that gets passed down through generations by word of mouth. I believe every one of the tenets though, so does this mean I'm strega?

[Thalias_Smile]

I do not necessarily follow this path...but am very interested in learning more about it...as I do seem to be drawn to it. I was hoping others who either practice it, or know more about it would add to this thread.
This is what I know so far.

Stregheria~

In the fourteenth-century, a Wise Woman who called herself Aradia brought back a revival of the Old Religion, La Vecchia Religione. In central Italy, witches of old worshipped the goddess Diana and her consort, the god Dianus. In Italy, Witches do not use the word Sabbat for their seasonal rites. The Italian word is Trequenda (tray-gwen-da). There are eight Treguendas that make the "Wheel of the Year". They are...

*Shadowfest-October 31st
*Winter Solstice-December 21st/22nd
*Lupercus-February 2nd
*Spring Equinox-March 21st/22nd
*Tana's Day-May 1st
*Summer Solstice-June 21st/22nd
*Cornucopia-August Eve
*Autumn Equinox-September 21st/22nd

The Gifts of Aradia and Tenets of Belief In the fourteenth century, Aradia taught that the traditional powers of a witch would belong to any who followed in the ways of the Old Religion. Aradia called these powers gifts, because she stressed the point that these powers were benefits of adhering to the Old Ways, and not the reason for becoming a witch. These are the powers:

~To bring succes in love
~To bless and consecrate
~To speak with spirits
~To know of hidden things
~To call forth spirits
~To know the Voice of the Wind
~To possess the knowledge of transformation
~To possess the knowledge of divination
~To know and understand secret signs
~To cure disease
~To bring forth beauty
~To have influence over wild beasts
~To know the secrets of the hands

~~Tenets of Belief~~
~We believe that the Source of All Things(The Great Spirit) is both masculine and feminine in nature.
~We believe that humans bear the Divine Spark of their Creator within themselves(soul/spirit). And that we are actually spiritualBeings who are temporarily encased in physical matter.
~We believe in Reincarnation and view it as a process for Spiritual Liberation from the physical dimension.
~We believe in psychic abilities and the supernatural as normal conditions which have been suppressed by the Judaic/Christian Culture, but can be restored through the practice of the Old Ways.
~We believe in Magic as a manifestation of energy that is directed by the mind through various ancient techniques.
~We believe in Spiritual Worlds and Spiritual Beings.
~We believe in the Law of Action and Reaction, and that what we do affects others, and what others do affects us. Therefore we strive to live in peace with those around us.
~We believe in Karma, meaning that we believe in responsibility and consequences.
~We believe in love, life and harmony as the spiritual foundation of our ways.
~We believe in the expression of religious beliefs through rituals and festivals.
~We believe in Earth Energy, meaning that we acknowledge places of natural power existing upon our planet. We hold that the same is true for natural objects.
~We believe in a positive Afterlife and a successful Spiritual Evolution.
~We believe that everything in Nature is of equal importance. Everything is linked and entwined beyond seperation.

Most of this information comes from Ways of the Strega by Raven Grimassi.
I think I saw Raven Grimassi making a few posts in another message board--I would certainly like to see his comments on this board as well...who knows, maybe more of us are Stregheria than previously realized--lol

[Faeawyn]

I'm not sure if I am or I'm not. I believe in everything I read there also...it sounds like someone wrote down my thoughts....but I know nothing more than that about it. I was hoping to attract someone who practiced it in this thread so we could bombard them with questions :lol:

[SilverClaw]

I just bought a book called Man myth and magic that has some stuff about Strega in it. Would you like me to post anything about it from there?
Let me know:D

My grandma on my dad's side of the family had the last name Strega and was from what I was told a witch as well, and anyways it is what led me to wanting to learn more about that partiucalr tradtion. Evwen though for now I am not pursing it as my path.

And Faewyn that was great information you started this thread with. :D

[tygherrayn]

I know Enozgirl is .. or I belive she is .. learning the Strega path, so perhaps she can give us some enlightenment on it when she returns from her New Orleans vacation.

I too have longed to learn more about it .. if only to have a better understanding.

[WickedBttrfly]

I have been interested in it as well, if for no other reason than because I am part italian and I wanted to learn about my heritage. I agree with everything you just said but unfortunately I know less than you do about it.

[SilverClaw]

Cool I look forward it :D :broomride

[Ladyvi]

the strega also stress blood lineage for being of the way. they put a lot of stock in the blood lineage of the followers of the old ways. good way to track certain gifts as well.

[raven grimassi]

I think I saw Raven Grimassi making a few posts in another message board--I would certainly like to see his comments on this board as well...who knows, maybe more of us are Stregheria than previously realized--lol

Thanks for the invitation to join in the discussion. It's probably as difficult to say what "all Strega" believe in, as it would be to say what all Wiccans believe in. There is quite a bit of diversity in Italian Witchcraft traditions. This is due to the fact that the Italian Craft evolved within various regions of Italy and Sicily, and there are many cultural differences throughout Italy. This includes even different types of folk magic beliefs, although some commonality and continuity does exist.

The beliefs that were posted on this thread represent one modern view of one specific traditon, which is mine. :)

I'd be happy to answer any questions and join in any further discussions.

Blessings - Raven

[raven grimassi]

the strega also stress blood lineage for being of the way. they put a lot of stock in the blood lineage of the followers of the old ways. good way to track certain gifts as well.

This is especially true among the older Streghe. Folklorists of the 19th century wrote of encountering this during their field studies with those who professed to be of Witch family lineage. They noted that the belief was held that an occult power was passed in the blood, and that the Witches called this "the gift."

Blessings - Raven

[Witchy_Momma]

I am looking more and more into this path. I would love to hear more about it.

Leslie

[misschief]

hmm. i come from witches on both sides of my family.. strega is a big chunk of what i do.. but not enough for me to really answer anything :lol:.. sorry.

[Witchy_Momma]

Could some one give a class on here on Strega?

A class would be a good idea.

Leslie

[halfwaynowhere]

well, i am interested in this path. i follow all of the tenets, and i have been sort of drawn to the whole Aradia thing. i would definitely like to explore this further.

[Nemesis Descending]

well, i am interested in this path. i follow all of the tenets, and i have been sort of drawn to the whole Aradia thing. i would definitely like to explore this further.

Italian Witchcraft is an interesting path. It's one of the oldest forms still in existence. But over the course of time it's collected and added things, which is only natural. You can see the same thing taking place in Wicca these days as systems grow and develop.

For an overview and a starting place you can take a look at the book Italian Witchcraft (by Raven Grimassi) and Hereditary Witchcraft (which is the sequel).

In Her service,
Nemesis Descending

[halfwaynowhere]

Italian Witchcraft is an interesting path. It's one of the oldest forms still in existence. But over the course of time it's collected and added things, which is only natural. You can see the same thing taking place in Wicca these days as systems grow and develop.

For an overview and a starting place you can take a look at the book Italian Witchcraft (by Raven Grimassi) and Hereditary Witchcraft (which is the sequel).

In Her service,
Nemesis Descending
thanks. i already talked to my parents about getting that book for christmas, they agreed! yay for me!

[Oak King]

Hello,

There are several Yahoo e-groups that discuss this and they are pretty good. If you'd like to learn still about Stregheria you should join up. La Vecchia is a good group and there are others with differing family lines.

[Lupercus]

:fpraise: Stregheria is the name of my religious belief, but as far as a packaged explanation of what we believe, i would be wary of it. There is a difference of opinion among Strega as to what constitutes belief in the way of the Old Faith. It is difficult to get a consensus.
BTW, if you have a question relating to The Old Faith, there is no better or learned authority than Raven Grimassi. It is a privilege to be on the same page as he is. In this i consider myself truly blessed.

[rayne100]

I know this is probably a stupid question, however I will ask it anyway.
Is there such a thing as Christian Strega?
Let me explain- I know of several people in my family that weresupposedly Strega, but they called angels instead of elements and similar things.
I may be way off, but i have no way of asking them any longer since they are no longer with us.

[raven grimassi]

I know this is probably a stupid question, however I will ask it anyway.
Is there such a thing as Christian Strega?
Let me explain- I know of several people in my family that were supposedly Strega, but they called angels instead of elements and similar things.
I may be way off, but i have no way of asking them any longer since they are no longer with us.

An important thing to note is that no one can really speak for Stregheria as a whole because it is made up of many regional traditions. In my books I try and give an overview, and I try and provide a "feel" as to what it is at its core.

Now as to "Christian Strega" we do find Catholic elements in some of traditions of Stregheria. The Cult of the Saints was very popular in Italy during the Middle Ages, and aspects of this form of veneration seeped into popular lore and folk magic. Some witches (themselves part of the folk population) adopted various aspects of the Saint cult.

What typically happened is that the old pagan deities took on a veneer of Christianity. For example, a statue of St. Mary with roses is the goddess of love. St. Mary standing on a crescent is the maiden goddess of the moon. St. Anthony and St. Francis are Lord of the Wood figures, and St. Mary holding the infant Jesus is the Earth Mother who gave birth to the Child of Promise (the Pagan theme, not the Christian one).

But, I have never known any of the older Strega systems to acknowledge or view Jesus as the Son of God, or as "God" manifest (in the biblical sense). So in that regard, I would say that there are no "Christian Strega" per se (outside of the contemporary phenomenon that we're seeing in such things as "Christian Wicca" and the like). But that is a whole other discussion.

The core of Italian Witchcraft is a belief in Nature as a living conscious being. The earth is host to a variety of spirit beings with whom a rapport or alignment is sought. The goal is to work in "common cause" with Nature and with other beings. This is what I would call "Pagan" as opposed to biblical Christian goals and values.

Some Italian Witches believe in a mated Goddess and God pair who created the Universe, and some appear to view the "Divine Source" as a singular feminine being. However, even among the latter there is a belief in many "lesser" gods and goddesses who have power and influence of over specific things, such as a goddess of love or a god of fertility, etc. The "higher" Goddess and God are the Creators, and their power is more far reaching.

Best regards - Raven

[Luciferish]

Nice comments Raven, of course one can only expect that from you. What common elements we share in our tradition with the Strega are very well expressed here as well. After that statement I am going to have to take your books off the shelf again and give them a once over, very well put and respectable.

I have some questions for you some time, perhaps I should PM you when I have them formed into coherant sentances.

[raven grimassi]

Nice comments Raven, of course one can only expect that from you. What common elements we share in our tradition with the Strega are very well expressed here as well. After that statement I am going to have to take your books off the shelf again and give them a once over, very well put and respectable.

I have some questions for you some time, perhaps I should PM you when I have them formed into coherant sentances.

Thanks for the kind words, much appreciated. Sure, drop me a PM or even just get a discussion going here or in the author section. It is always a pleasure to chat with folks such as yourself.

Best regards - Raven

[Kern]

What typically happened is that the old pagan deities took on a veneer of Christianity. For example, a statue of St. Mary with roses is the goddess of love. St. Mary standing on a crescent is the maiden goddess of the moon. St. Anthony and St. Francis are Lord of the Wood figures, and St. Mary holding the infant Jesus is the Earth Mother who gave birth to the Child of Promise (the Pagan theme, not the Christian one).

Best regards - Raven

Can you list or tell me what the figure of Jesus on the Cross and the sacred heart pictures stand for...what deities I mean?And what about St.Mary standing on the Earth
?

[Kern]

Some one mentioned Pan,does He play a big role in Stregheria?
Also what about mother earth?

Never mind I came across this website:
http://users.bigpond.net.au/raidne/strega.htm

[raven grimassi]

Can you list or tell me what the figure of Jesus on the Cross and the sacred heart pictures stand for...what deities I mean?And what about St.Mary standing on the Earth
?

For those who incorporate the crucifix it represents the Slain Harvest Lord, symbolized by death on a tree, which itself symbolizes the Plant Kingdom (note also the crown of thorns). His "three days in hell" (insert the Underworld) can be seen as representative of the fallen seed in the earth/womb of the Goddess. But it can also be viewed as lunar symbolism (the three dark days of the moon), suggestive of the Christ figure as the son of the Moon Goddess. In the Celtic myth we find that Mabon is taken from his mother when he is "three nights old" which is an interesting parallel of symbolism. There are some references to Mabon as the Christ figure in Celtic literature as well.

As to the sacred heart theme, I do not recall any old teachings, but that does mean that they do not exist. Mary standing on the earth seems more like a Christian construction, but one can easily see the Earth Mother in the symbolism.



Some one mentioned Pan,does He play a big role in Stregheria? Also what about mother earth?[/url]

Naturally I cannot speak for Stregheria as a whole because it is comprised of different regional traditions. But in my tradition, and others that I know, Pan is not a major figure. Naturally the Earth Mother is, and is known my different names (according to desired aspect).



Never mind I came across this website:
http://users.bigpond.net.au/raidne/strega.htm

Yes, this is my material slightly rephrased here and there, with no credit or acknowledgement of the source - me.

Best regards - Raven

[Enozgirl]

For those who incorporate the crucifix it represents the Slain Harvest Lord, symbolized by death on a tree, which itself symbolizes the Plant Kingdom (note also the crown of thorns). His "three days in hell" (insert the Underworld) can be seen as representative of the fallen seed in the earth/womb of the Goddess. But it can also be viewed as lunar symbolism (the three dark days of the moon), suggestive of the Christ figure as the son of the Moon Goddess. In the Celtic myth we find that Mabon is taken from his mother when he is "three nights old" which is an interesting parallel of symbolism. There are some references to Mabon as the Christ figure in Celtic literature as well.

This is very interesting. I'd never really given thought to the lunar symbolism in this portion of the Christian mythos. I'll have to do some more thinking on this.

Thank you for sharing that with us!

[Kern]

For those who incorporate the crucifix it represents the Slain Harvest Lord, symbolized by death on a tree, which itself symbolizes the Plant Kingdom (note also the crown of thorns). His "three days in hell" (insert the Underworld) can be seen as representative of the fallen seed in the earth/womb of the Goddess. But it can also be viewed as lunar symbolism (the three dark days of the moon), suggestive of the Christ figure as the son of the Moon Goddess. In the Celtic myth we find that Mabon is taken from his mother when he is "three nights old" which is an interesting parallel of symbolism. There are some references to Mabon as the Christ figure in Celtic literature as well.

As to the sacred heart theme, I do not recall any old teachings, but that does mean that they do not exist. Mary standing on the earth seems more like a Christian construction, but one can easily see the Earth Mother in the symbolism.




Naturally I cannot speak for Stregheria as a whole because it is comprised of different regional traditions. But in my tradition, and others that I know, Pan is not a major figure. Naturally the Earth Mother is, and is known my different names (according to desired aspect).




Yes, this is my material slightly rephrased here and there, with no credit or acknowledgement of the source - me.

Best regards - Raven

Thanks Raven for the reply and the info....You have been a great help..I never heard that first part you mentioned,interesting...

In Peace!
Kern

[Kern]

For those who incorporate the crucifix it represents the Slain Harvest Lord, symbolized by death on a tree, which itself symbolizes the Plant Kingdom (note also the crown of thorns). His "three days in hell" (insert the Underworld) can be seen as representative of the fallen seed in the earth/womb of the Goddess. But it can also be viewed as lunar symbolism (the three dark days of the moon), suggestive of the Christ figure as the son of the Moon Goddess. In the Celtic myth we find that Mabon is taken from his mother when he is "three nights old" which is an interesting parallel of symbolism. There are some references to Mabon as the Christ figure in Celtic literature as well.

As to the sacred heart theme, I do not recall any old teachings, but that does mean that they do not exist. Mary standing on the earth seems more like a Christian construction, but one can easily see the Earth Mother in the symbolism.




Naturally I cannot speak for Stregheria as a whole because it is comprised of different regional traditions. But in my tradition, and others that I know, Pan is not a major figure. Naturally the Earth Mother is, and is known my different names (according to desired aspect).




Yes, this is my material slightly rephrased here and there, with no credit or acknowledgement of the source - me.

Best regards - Raven

Thanks again Mr Grimassi,for the replies and info..You have been a great help...

As for what you said:


The core of Italian Witchcraft is a belief in Nature as a living conscious being. The earth is host to a variety of spirit beings with whom a rapport or alignment is sought. The goal is to work in "common cause" with Nature and with other beings. This is what I would call "Pagan" as opposed to biblical Christian goals and values.

Some Italian Witches believe in a mated Goddess and God pair who created the Universe, and some appear to view the "Divine Source" as a singular feminine being. However, even among the latter there is a belief in many "lesser" gods and goddesses who have power and influence of over specific things, such as a goddess of love or a god of fertility, etc. The "higher" Goddess and God are the Creators, and their power is more far reaching.

These are very similar to my beliefs,especially the 2nd part.But I never really thought of the Divine Source as being female,though I guess that could be true.I believe in one ultimate life/spirit force,and that the God and Goddess originated from it/her and that the other gods stem from them..

I have tried to reconcile my beliefs with those of both Gaelic/Celtic and with Heathenism,but to no avail....the more I read about Italian witchcraft the more I want to learn about it..
:artist:

[Kern]

I do not necessarily follow this path...but am very interested in learning more about it...as I do seem to be drawn to it. I was hoping others who either practice it, or know more about it would add to this thread.
This is what I know so far.

Stregheria~


~~Tenets of Belief~~
~We believe that the Source of All Things(The Great Spirit) is both masculine and feminine in nature.
~We believe that humans bear the Divine Spark of their Creator within themselves(soul/spirit). And that we are actually spiritualBeings who are temporarily encased in physical matter.
~We believe in Reincarnation and view it as a process for Spiritual Liberation from the physical dimension.
~We believe in psychic abilities and the supernatural as normal conditions which have been suppressed by the Judaic/Christian Culture, but can be restored through the practice of the Old Ways.
~We believe in Magic as a manifestation of energy that is directed by the mind through various ancient techniques.
~We believe in Spiritual Worlds and Spiritual Beings.
~We believe in the Law of Action and Reaction, and that what we do affects others, and what others do affects us. Therefore we strive to live in peace with those around us.
~We believe in Karma, meaning that we believe in responsibility and consequences.
~We believe in love, life and harmony as the spiritual foundation of our ways.
~We believe in the expression of religious beliefs through rituals and festivals.
~We believe in Earth Energy, meaning that we acknowledge places of natural power existing upon our planet. We hold that the same is true for natural objects.
~We believe in a positive Afterlife and a successful Spiritual Evolution.
~We believe that everything in Nature is of equal importance. Everything is linked and entwined beyond seperation.

Most of this information comes from Ways of the Strega by Raven Grimassi.

I agree with all this,excpet I have never liked the term Karma when using it for Wicca/Witchcraft,I keep thinking of the Hindu concept.But I do beleive in responsibility and consequences.

[Teresa]

Bumping this thread up for Mordaen since this is how I lured him here! To study and search things out. :yayhawaii :clapping: :yayhawaii :clapping: :yayhawaii :clapping: He has one of raven's books and is fascinated by it. It has inspired him to explore his path again.

[Teresa]

Bump

[Mordaen]

LOL, I got your first bump :) And the numerous tells as well. /hugs

[Teresa]

LOL, I got your first bump :) And the numerous tells as well. /hugs
:thewave:

[Kern]

Bump! :abbed:

[Faeawyn]

So then can one "learn" the path of Strega, or do most believe you have to be born into it?

[Kern]

So then can one "learn" the path of Strega, or do most believe you have to be born into it?
Seems like I read somewhere,that some believe that you must be born into it,while others dont.

[CleftOfLight]

Well stregha is different from place to place region to region but there are a few similarities here and there.I do like the writings of Raven Gramassi but we must remember that what he teaches is his version of stregha,an italian american version which is nice and acceptable.Actually even the title Stregha is a rgional one.

Most people that practice the old religion are secretive and keep most of it to themselves.Only teaching few the real path but teaching many a non-sense path.

So when you read about stregha be careful,be concerning.Actually when you read about withcraft in general be careful.

If you are wicca and want a familiar path,just using Etruscan deities and Aradia then Raven Gramassi,Lori Bruno they are good teachers and I respect them both.

If you want to try to find it the way it is in italy and in a particular regione I say good luck and dig deep.And If I can help I will.

[CleftOfLight]

So then can one "learn" the path of Strega, or do most believe you have to be born into it?

This I think confuses people in witchcraft in general.Soetimes the people who teach you will call you there son or daughter.Thus making it seem hereditary but just because you are a witch or Stregha doesn't mean your biological children will be.Of course they may be witches too but doesn't mean they will be just because you are.

[raven grimassi]

Well stregha is different from place to place region to region but there are a few similarities here and there.I do like the writings of Raven Gramassi but we must remember that what he teaches is his version of stregha,an italian american version which is nice and acceptable.Actually even the title Stregha is a rgional one.

Just for clarification, what I write about is older forms of Italian Witchcraft that are now mixed with modern Wiccan elements. I suppose, because of the additions, one could say that the system presented in my book is Italian-American (in the sense that I am). But what I personally teach my initiates is something closer to the original European form, and is void of modern material.



This I think confuses people in witchcraft in general.Soetimes the people who teach you will call you there son or daughter.Thus making it seem hereditary but just because you are a witch or Stregha doesn't mean your biological children will be.Of course they may be witches too but doesn't mean they will be just because you are.

Among the hereditary Italian Witches that I have known, there is a custom described as looking for the "gift" (although not everyone appreciates the so-called gift). The custom involves an elder (often a grandmother) who looks deep into the eyes of a newborn, looking for a trace. At age 13, this is performed again, along with other things, and this can mark the beginning of special training if desired. But, it is said, that not every child born "into the blood" is a Witch.

Best regards - Raven

[Alpandia]

I'd heard that among some Hereditary Italian Witches, they do look for the Gift, but not necessarially only among their own family. And if one takes you on, they do adopt you - sharing the breaking of bread being the first step to becoming family.

Heck, even in my Italian family, we have people we've adopted who have no family of their own. And the first thing we do is feed them something we've made (as opposed to, say, going out for burgers!).

Italians have a sworn task by the Universe, it seems, to try to feed the world. ;)

It was always a good reason to make lasagne! Not like you need one, but making it special is always fun!

I'm still just amazed to find a thread on Stregheria here! Don't mind me.

[raven grimassi]

I'd heard that among some Hereditary Italian Witches, they do look for the Gift, but not necessarially only among their own family. And if one takes you on, they do adopt you - sharing the breaking of bread being the first step to becoming family.

I have found that to be true. In my own family tradition I offer new initiates (who are not "of the blood") a fava bean as a token of adoption.

Best regards - Raven

[pellegrina]

Hi everyone--

Very pleased to have found this thread! And especially pleased to note that Mr. Raven Grimassi is among the participants. What a gift! I'm in the middle of reading Italian Witchcraft as we speak, with Hereditary Witchcraft waiting on my nightstand.

I'm very new to this path. I'd been studying Wicca for close to a year and feeling unable to connect with all the Celtic mythology and traditions. I wanted to narrow down to a specific path but had no idea where to start. So I decided to start with the logical place, my ethnic heritage. I'm half Italian--my grandmother comes from the Abruzzi region of Italy, and my grandfather's people are from Naples. Not really expecting anything, I Googled "Italian Gods", and bingo! I found Stregheria. I stayed up half the night reading, my heart quickening in my chest, knowing I had found my path. I even finally found my craft name--pellegrina.

Right now I'm in the voracious reading and learning stage, and plan to start slowly changing my spiritual practice to reflect my newfound path. If anybody wants to organize a formal class, count me in.

Which brings me to my next question......any ideas for a simple, solitary, beginning Cornucopia ritual? (BTW, I like the name "Cornucopia" so much better than Lughnasagh!) Or maybe even something I can do with my family? (Other than cook a big Italian meal. :) )

Does anybody here actually practice this tradition as Mr. Grimassi describes it in his books?
Thank you all in advance, and I look forward to sharing and learning from all of you.

Blessings,
Pellegrina

[Kern]

Hello and welcome to the thread.. :dancy:

[raven grimassi]

I'm very new to this path. I'd been studying Wicca for close to a year and feeling unable to connect with all the Celtic mythology and traditions. I wanted to narrow down to a specific path but had no idea where to start. So I decided to start with the logical place, my ethnic heritage. I'm half Italian--my grandmother comes from the Abruzzi region of Italy, and my grandfather's people are from Naples.

The situation you describe is precisely why I wrote on Italian Witchcraft. I wanted to help people with a starting point, which is what I feel my books on the subject provide. For a very long time if a person was not of Celtic background then there was little if anything available. I felt that this situation was unfair to seekers of southern European lineage.


Right now I'm in the voracious reading and learning stage, and plan to start slowly changing my spiritual practice to reflect my newfound path. If anybody wants to organize a formal class, count me in.

Within a month or two I will be starting an online Course of Study on Italian Witchcraft. If you like, I can provide you with more information through private messaging.


Which brings me to my next question......any ideas for a simple, solitary, beginning Cornucopia ritual? (BTW, I like the name "Cornucopia" so much better than Lughnasagh!) Or maybe even something I can do with my family?

You mentioned having a copy of Hereditary Witchcraft. On page 134 there is a solitary rite for Cornucopia. If you can't locate the book, I would be happy to private message you a copy of the ritual, just let me know.


Does anybody here actually practice this tradition as Mr. Grimassi describes it in his books?

There are a couple of my initiates here on MW, but it is up to them if they want to out themselves. :)

In the meantime, I would be happy to answer any questions you might have at present regarding Stregheria.

Best regards - Raven

[pellegrina]

Thank you so much for responding, Raven. :) Yes, please, let me know by PM when you start your class. I would be honored to take part. Will it be here on MW, or through your own website?

I did end up using your book for my Cornucopia ritual, although I personalized it somewhat. I lit my first Spirit Flame by lighting some Strega Liquore in a ceramic bowl, which cracked loudly right in the middle of my ritual, LOL! Note to self: use a metal bowl from now on.

Which brings me to my first question: I looked ahead to the Autumn Equinox ritual, and I have to tell you it's much wordier and formal than the simple rituals I usually do. Do you teach that the rituals must be followed word-for-word? I know that your philosophy is that it's okay to add, but not remove. I just wasn't sure if that goes for every single word in every single ritual. For instance, I don't have most of the tools yet, nor God and Goddess icons. But I do feel that I could improvise, use some of the recitations, and capture the spirit of the ritual. Part of the problem is a lack of privacy and time; I usually do rituals in my kitchen after my kids have gone to bed, and I try to keep things quiet, short and simple. Not the best of circumstances, I know, but I'm kind of fumbling along one day at a time. There's so much to learn and absorb!

Any thoughts or advice would be very much appreciated. In the meantime, I'll be looking forward to your class.

Blessings,
Pellegrina

[raven grimassi]

I did end up using your book for my Cornucopia ritual, although I personalized it somewhat. I lit my first Spirit Flame by lighting some Strega Liquore in a ceramic bowl, which cracked loudly right in the middle of my ritual, LOL! Note to self: use a metal bowl from now on.

Yes, metal is the safest way to go. Many of my initiates use stainless steel dessert bowls.


I looked ahead to the Autumn Equinox ritual, and I have to tell you it's much wordier and formal than the simple rituals I usually do. Do you teach that the rituals must be followed word-for-word?

My view of traditional ritual is that it supplies the foundation and structure that provides the stages to lead the ritualist into altered states of consciousness. The steps are necessary, but the ritualist needs to add his or her intuition and spontaneity to the rite.

A traditional ritual is like a house, it is the foundation and structure, which is constructed in a specific way so that it is sound and functional. But, no one can tell you how to live your life in the house, that is the part you bring to the whole thing.

As to the words, I advise people to try and adhere to the prescribed ritual as much as possible. But, for the published rituals, you can paraphrase if you find that the script detracts from your ability to smoothly perform the rite.


I don't have most of the tools yet, nor God and Goddess icons. But I do feel that I could improvise, use some of the recitations, and capture the spirit of the ritual. Part of the problem is a lack of privacy and time; I usually do rituals in my kitchen after my kids have gone to bed, and I try to keep things quiet, short and simple. Not the best of circumstances

At the risk of appearing to pitch a commercial, I would like to suggest checking out the Well Worn Path kit. One of its functions is to provide the means of performing ritual for people in similar situations. The companion book provides ritual examples of how to use the cards to mentally & spiritually perform various rites. The deck includes a card for each ritual tool, and the Goddess and God icons (as well as an altar image). Through guided imagery you have everything needed.

You should be able to find the deck at any major bookstore, or you get one through the website:

http://www.wellwornpath.com/home.htm (http://www.wellwornpath.com/home.htm)

There is a discussion about the deck in the Tarot forum here on Mystic Wicks, and the thread is titled: For Pagans, Wiccans, and Witches - the Well Worn Path divination kit. You might want to check it out.


I know that your philosophy is that it's okay to add, but not remove.

It is part of the Tradition that I practice that we not remove anything. This assures that the Tradition is passed on. We may add things to the ritual, but when we do there is a mark we make to show what has been added.

Best regards - Raven

[Alpandia]

Pellegrina, if I may offer a suggestion (and I'm sure Raven will correct me if the suggetion is inappropriate!).... if you feel that the rituals are to wordy for you to do while in circle, would it be possible to record the lengthier portions of the ritual so that you can play it back to yourself while in circle?

From my experience with the recitation of the Mythos during ritual, often it's to get the participants *INTO* that space, into the mythos, so that they can see aspects of themselves in the story. It's sort of like a meditation to me, in a way. And I've found it distracting to have to read out loud (or even to myself!) during rituals when I do them by myself. But in recording them and playing them back, it allows me to get into that mindset - of listening to the story and finding myself in it.

[raven grimassi]

Pellegrina, if I may offer a suggestion (and I'm sure Raven will correct me if the suggetion is inappropriate!).... if you feel that the rituals are to wordy for you to do while in circle, would it be possible to record the lengthier portions of the ritual so that you can play it back to yourself while in circle?

That is a good suggestion, and would work well with many aspects.

Best regards - Raven

[Ptah]

That is a good suggestion, and would work well with many aspects.

Best regards - Raven

One of the reason for ritual (doing the same thing ritually) is so you can become at ease with what you are doing and, with that ease, become better at working with energy of the cicle. Proper recitation and practice is essential for learning any system.

While I do think that it is possible to do as suggested with a modicum of success, I also feel that anything like that should be left to the experienced, not the novice. Once a student becomes comfortable and KNOWLEDGABLE within a system and learns what they are doing, then they can begin to make variations and adaptations.

[Ptah]

From my experience with the recitation of the Mythos during ritual, often it's to get the participants *INTO* that space, into the mythos, so that they can see aspects of themselves in the story.

Interesting.. It should also be noted that vocal recitation is very important. The concept of vocalization has much more to do with an alchemical change in the universe around us, than it has to do with its vibratory nature, alone.

Before we speak, we draw in air, which courses through your body and returns with minute charged particles to expel. These particles were stored in the cells of our bodies. When prepare for a ritual, learn it and all its elements, we are charging our bodies with the intent of that ritual. When we speak the words, we expel that intent at the same time we vibrate the sounds. That vibration, is internally created, embued, reenergized, carried and directed by the practitioner throughout the work.

Now, I have used recording devices during rituals but always as an addition to set the emotional temper of the circle, with varied success, but never to make it simpler or easier.

I suggest that anyone who wishes to do this, to try this simple experiment. Cast circle and do a ritual. Record yourself doing it. Then do that same ritual with someone in circle and get feedback from them after you've finished. Then have them listen to the recording, under the exact same conditions,and compare the feedback. You'll see the difference... If the use of recording devices worked well, couldn't we just record 8 sabbats and 13 moons and call it done?

To me, it loses the personal energy needed to sustain the energy of a circle, that allows me to do what I need to, during ritual. Which is in large part, creating a space rarified enough to accept both man and diety (if they wish)and creating a connecting point between the two. Vocalizing the intent, the mythos in this case, excites the energy both around, above and within all those involved. I'm just not sure that can be done with a recording.

[Stephanie Taylor]

If the use of recording devices worked well, couldn't we just record 8 sabbats and 13 moons and call it done?

I don't think anyone is suggesting that tapes can or should take the place of personal investment. I think the point is that taped material can enhance a ritual, and can help with elements that pose practical problems.

[Alpandia]

Yes, what she said ;)

When you're first starting out, it's so overwhelming to have to do everything yourself. Yes, I uderstand that by SPEAKING the words, you are empowering them, changing them by your thought, intent, and breath. I do that now that I'm more comfortable with the basic circle castings and working with the energy that is present.

But by the same token, it's harder when you're starting out, and doing it by yourself, and it's sometimes a welcome pause to sit down and listen to the sound of your own voice reciting the words to you. I'm not saying that you just plop down in front of the tape recorder and make the recording. You can and should do the recordings in sacred space.

I thought it was helpful to me when I was starting out. Plus it helped me get over the ackwardness of speaking the words into my living room wall! :megaphone

And I was able to experience the mythos in different ways, that helped bring new insights and understandings. It was more difficult for me to read the words *and* grock a substantial part of the meaning at the same time. But listening to it allowed me to lose myself in the story and really find myself in the love of the God and Goddess for each other, and for us.

Of course, other things work for other people. You should experiment to see which works best for you.

Many blessings,

-Alpandia

[pellegrina]

Alpandia, I love the idea of using recording until I know the rituals by heart. It seems that I'm usually fumbling with things and trying to prop the book open and read at the same time....Do most people study and memorize rituals ahead of time? The only thing I've managed to memorize so far is my very simple circle casting.

I do feel that it would be a temporary or sometime thing, because I agree with Ptah that actually vocalizing the words is extremely important. I'm still learning the whys and wherefores, but it makes sense to me that the sounds and the intent behind them have tremendous power

Raven, I have to thank you so much for introducing me to The Well Worn Path! I already had it on my wish list, but I thought it was just a divination deck. I had no idea it could be used for ritual as well. (And for study, and for meditation......) You're right--it's practically tailor-made for someone in my position. I went to Borders that very day and bought it. Such a wonderful value for the money! What a gift. I'll post a more detailed review on the thread in the tarot section.

I intend to perform the moon ritual this Friday.
Thank you again!

[Alpandia]

I've found that, with time, you start to learn parts that don't change. Sorta like how I can still recite most of the Catholic mass in my head - just from repeated exposure you start to retain it.

Of course, I still have everything printed out anyway. It's always good to have a "cheat sheet" handy if you blank out on something.

[raven grimassi]

Raven, I have to thank you so much for introducing me to The Well Worn Path! I already had it on my wish list, but I thought it was just a divination deck. I had no idea it could be used for ritual as well. (And for study, and for meditation......) You're right--it's practically tailor-made for someone in my position. I went to Borders that very day and bought it. Such a wonderful value for the money! What a gift. I'll post a more detailed review on the thread in the tarot section.

I intend to perform the moon ritual this Friday.

Yes, we are pleased with what the kit is, and for such little cost. The uses of the cards are many, probably even more than we thought.

Before you perform the Full Moon ritual with the cards, make sure to read over the section carefully, and arrange the cards before hand. As you perform the rite, spend time with the visualizations and inner connections. The more you put ito it, the more you will come away with. Some candles and incense will make a nice touch as well.

Best regards - Raven

[Vinny Mirabella]

Does anybody here actually practice this tradition as Mr. Grimassi describes it in his books?

I've dabbled a bit because his stuff reminds me of some of the things my nonna used to do. She was from Naples. One of the things I remember is her pouring perfume in the lid of a jar and lighting it on fire. She used to suspend things on a cord and pass them through the fire. Then she gave them to people for protection and stuff like that. We thought she was a nut case. But people came to her for things and for help. I wasn't interested at the time, but over the last couple of years I've been checking this all out.

[stella01904]

For an overview and a starting place you can take a look at the book Italian Witchcraft (by Raven Grimassi) and Hereditary Witchcraft (which is the sequel).MM ~ Those two books have an entire outer-court system - so if your family hasn't taught you and there's no one in your area on this path, you can still learn and maintain a full religious practice. It's a beautiful thing.
BB, Stella

[stella01904]

Does anybody here actually practice this tradition as Mr. Grimassi describes it in his books?
Thank you all in advance, and I look forward to sharing and learning from all of you.
MM ~ I've taken the Italian Pantheon and use a lot of the rituals from the books. They're gorgeous. Sometimes I don't have the things I need for them (fennell stalks, wolf hide, etc.) so I go with a more "generic" ritual format. I love the Spirit Flame but it is very hard to keep it lit while working solitary, and I have gotten away from it. I understand that a lot of people are using sterno nowadays, I may try that. Of course Strega Liquore & vodka or everclear is best, cologne is second best. BB, Stella

[raven grimassi]

I love the Spirit Flame but it is very hard to keep it lit while working solitary, and I have gotten away from it. I understand that a lot of people are using sterno nowadays, I may try that. Of course Strega Liquore & vodka or everclear is best, cologne is second best. BB, Stella

If you want to use something like sterno, you can add three drops of Strega liquore or three drops of an oil (a blessing oil or Diana oil) to it. This will at least invoke the alignment and take away the mundane association to sterno.

[MercysFallen]

Italians have a sworn task by the Universe, it seems, to try to feed the world.[/i]

This is so true. Ever notice in many cities Like New York, Boston & New Orleans When the Italians settled there the "Italian" sections of the city alway had the markets. My Grandparents even owned a grocery store Maaany years ago. I wonder if it goes back to St. Joseph and his mission to feed the needy.

Ren

[stella01904]

I did end up using your book for my Cornucopia ritual, although I personalized it somewhat. I lit my first Spirit Flame by lighting some Strega Liquore in a ceramic bowl, which cracked loudly right in the middle of my ritual, LOL! Note to self: use a metal bowl from now on.
MM ~ I've found that soapstone also works very well. If I just want to bless and charge a little piece of jewelry I use the cup of a thurible-style soapstone incense burner, and I've found that it handles heat so well I'd use a larger one for ritual instead of the metal bowl, if I had one! BB, Stella

[stella01904]

If you want to use something like sterno, you can add three drops of Strega liquore or three drops of an oil (a blessing oil or Diana oil) to it. This will at least invoke the alignment and take away the mundane association to sterno.MM ~ Beautiful! I'm going back to the Spirit Flame! Thanks, Raven! BB, Stella

[Kern]

This is a link to Aradia: Gospel of the Witches (http://www.paganlibrary.com/etext/aradia/index.php)... the Online Version,so check it out.Sorry if its already been posted....

[Kern]

From what I have read so for from Aradia_Gospel of the Witches,it appears that either Leland may have added certain things such as references to Cain,Lucifer falling from heaven etc to the beliefs of Italian Witchcraft or either he had interviews with witches that were christianised..because Lucifer was a Roman god of light and the morning star in his own right ,not a sun god(that was Apollo) nor did he ever visit heaven(the christian one) and has nothing in common with the one that Judeo Christians refer to as satan or the fallen archangel..

And Cain was a biblical figure and has nothing to do with the Romans or their beliefs,whether one is referring to the State Religion or the cults that were practiced by groups or individuals.The original witches of Italia would not have known of the fallen version of Lucifer or the person of Cain.They would have known of Diana the goddess of the witches and of the god Lucifer,and also of Janus/Tanus/Dianus,Proserpine and Hecete..
So from what I am reading in this book,its a form of Christianised Witchcraft that devoloped in Italy,not the true form of Italian witchcraft that existed side by side with the State Religio of Rome prior to Christianity.

Its just hard for me to take seriously any works that claim to have any thing to do with the gods(Diana in this case) that claim they spoke of Cain and saying that a Roman god was non other than the one that fell from Heaven(in a round about way refering to the arch angel in the Bible)..Lucifer.This shows that the arthor didnt realise that the name Lucifer wasnt even in the original Hebrew text and that the Roman god wasnt the same being...they just tried to interconnect the fallen angel with the god Lucifer or his name in the same way that most do today..when they have nothing in common.

Any one know of a website that deals with the pre Christian witchcraft of Italians and the Romans ?

[stella01904]

MM ~ Leland himself gives a clue when he talks of buying a little fortunetelling book and says something about the grostesquely modern coexisting side by side with the ancient in Italy. The book had a bad picture of "Circe" looking like a (then) comtemporary old fortuneteller in a mob cap. Then it had a very correct and beautiful picture of Medea. I think that little account is the key to how "Aradia" should be read. Leland is giving it to you as he found it and it is up to you to weed out the christian influences. BB, Stella

[raven grimassi]

From what I have read so for from Aradia_Gospel of the Witches,it appears that either Leland may have added certain things such as references to Cain,Lucifer falling from heaven etc to the beliefs of Italian Witchcraft

The Aradia manuscript was something delivered to Leland by his "informant" Maddalena. Leland then copied the material and rendered into a form that he could submit to his publisher (this was back in the days of handwriting). In the Pazzaglini translation of Leland's material there is a chapter written by a scholar named Robert Mathiesen who applied a methodology to Leland's completed draft of the manuscript. Mathiesen is convinced that this science demonstrates that Leland was copying from another source (assumes Maddalena's copy) and was not making it up as he went along.

Leland states that chapters 7,11,12,13,14, and 15 were not part of what Maddalena delivered. Mathieson feels that chapters 5 & 6, and 8 through 10 were also added (because they appear in earlier works by Leland in some form or another, but were also supplied by Maddalena). Mathieson states that what remains as original is the material on the mythos of Aradia as the daughter of Diana and Lucifer, the sabbat material, the firefly lore, and other bits of lore.


or either he had interviews with witches that were christianised..because Lucifer was a Roman god of light and the morning star in his own right ,not a sun god(that was Apollo) nor did he ever visit heaven(the christian one) and has nothing in common with the one that Judeo Christians refer to as satan or the fallen archangel.

It is true that the Roman god Lucifer is not the same entity as the Judeo-Christian entity. But I believe that there were certainly Christian influences that became absorbed into some sects of Witches in Italy, which resulted in diluted forms that followed. But I also believe that some traditions retained their pre-Christian elements and did not incorporate the new religion.

The adoption of Christian elements is very apparent in what became popular folk magic traditions in Italy. These have little if anything to do with Witchcraft, although some practitioners of Italian Folk Magic believe they are practicing Witchcraft. On the other hand, there are some Italian Witches who practice Saint Magic, incorporating various patrons in their spell work. So the distinctions can blur in some areas.


So from what I am reading in this book,its a form of Christianised Witchcraft that devoloped in Italy,not the true form of Italian witchcraft that existed side by side with the State Religio of Rome prior to Christianity.

I agree that the published Aradia material is a Christianized work, and is not reflective in whole of authentic (earlier) systems of Italian Witchcraft.

[Kern]

Thanks for replying Mr Grimassi.
Thats exactly what I figured about this work..that it was added to and christianised somewhat...
Hmm you mean basically ch's.5-15 not including ch.9 was not in the original work that Maddelena gave to Leland..Then why was it added?
What about the other parts,they seem to be tainted with Christian inlfuences as well..such as
This is the Gospel of the Witches:

Diana greatly loved her brother Lucifer, the god of the Sun and of the Moon, the god of Light (Splendor), who was so proud of his beauty, and who for his pride was driven from Paradise. and
Yet like Cain's daughter thou shalt never be
Nor like the race who have become at last
Wicked and infamous from suffering,
As are the Jews and wandering Zingari,
Who are all thieves and knaves; like unto them
Ye shall not be... from the very first chapter,
and
And in the ages, in the course of time, when the world was made, Diana went on earth, as did Lucifer, who had fallen,..from chapter 3..


All these have biblical toneings and has nothing to do with the ancient beliefs of the people of Rome or Italia..Not until it was christianised any way.

[raven grimassi]

Hmm you mean basically ch's.5-15 not including ch.9 was not in the original work that Maddelena gave to Leland..Then why was it added?

Leland states that he felt the material delivered by Maddalena was too sparse to warrant publication. So he added material that he felt was related. And in a sense it was related, and it was also material that Maddalena had earlier provided. In the end Leland believed that the compilation was reflective of a more cohesive tradition.


What about the other parts,they seem to be tainted with Christian inlfuences as well..such as and from the very first chapter,
and..from chapter 3..All these have biblical toneings and has nothing to do with the ancient beliefs of the people of Rome or Italia..Not until it was christianised any way.

Yes, the entire book seems to be a Christianized distortion of Italian Witchcraft, although clearly based upon earlier models of Witch lore. It is unfortunate, and yet Leland's book is something unique and can be treasured in that sense.

[Kern]

When or will there every be a book published that only concerns none christianised/judaized Italian Witchraft ?

[Son of Goddess]

because Lucifer was a Roman god of light and the morning star in his own right ,not a sun god(that was Apollo) nor did he ever visit heaven(the christian one) and has nothing in common with the one that Judeo Christians refer to as satan or the fallen archangel..

Actually, Lucifer wasn't a God. Lucifer referred to the morning star, or more appropriately the planet Venus. Lucifer was more so a personification of the planet Venus, rather than a tried and true deity as Janus or Diana.

Also, Apollo was not a sun God whatsoever in the context of Roman religion. Apollo was brought to Rome via the order of the Sibylline books in response to a plague that was overtaking the city. When brought to Rome, Apollo served as a deity of divine healing, prophecy and the musical arts. The sun belonged to Sol.