I am Italian-American and I appreciate people like Grimassi just for trying to provide us with some sort of framework that has been lost over the years. My interest and fascination with paganism and witchcraft was nurtured by my Catholic grandparents, my grandmothers dresser altar to Mary, the Italian horns, and superstitions around the evil eye. When I first read Grimassi, I was irritated by how Wiccan it was but I have grown to appreciate what he has tried to do for Americans. I wish more of the traditions from Italy proper had made it over, at least in my family. I identify with the term Strega but am always on the search for more non-Wiccan based information. Thank you for this video and your wonderful channel Dr. Puca. Are there any good English language sources I can read through that you would recommend? (Other than your source material because I’m working my way through!)
There isn't much in English on the matter, I'm afraid. That's why I included that in my PhD. I will be publishing a book on the matter next year. For now, there are the sources listed in the infobox or other sources in Italian
Something that's a bit less academic, but more in the Catholic traditional element to check out is the podcast and Instagram page "st Anthony's tongue"
Different traditions came from different regions. I do believe if you read where Leland was going, you'll find that Aradia, if there ever was a person, you'll find that another story has been in Slavic Culture as well. You'll also find that Hexerei, Braucherei, the Orthodox Church whisperer. Senature is the cultural practice brought with people who came to different places into the Catholic Communities, the rest followed, the Folletto or spirits are just helpers, like in Hexerei. Also if you read other works by Leland there was no mention of Aradia, but there is a Story about another Witch who is likened unto La Befana. Carradora. Italian Traditions are family traditions handed down. And like customs in villages, can differ from one neighbor to another. As far as Wicca, those are two different traditions that came from a Tribal people who were under the Reign of Queen Isabella wife of Henry the 3rd in the 12th century. The Hwicca (a Germanic tribe) and her Italian Entourage, including the disheveled Romans or Romani of Britain. So, it is safe to say that you are a Wiccan who worships the old Gods of Greece, Italy, and of the Celtic Estruscans, Etruscans no longer being Celtic, because they're Italian from from the Middle Region of Italy and moved to now what is known as Tuscany, and some were even displaced during the migrations of the Roman Catholic Church. My signs (cast by my hands by the way), My herbal remedies etc. All have Italian roots, but it's also sad to know that Wiccans today don't know different traditions that can come from a different region. I've only worked with one other on the matters, and she was born in America, but her Parents were Greco/Romani. Lots of times people hear the term Romani and instantly think of Travellers, yes there's some in the mix along the way, but Romani basically means Roman. I think really, unless you still have a Lare Shrine in your home, and only have family knowledge of your craft, you can call yourself a Wiccan. Of course, you have to know the parenting practice of WiccianCraeft (Weechean crayft) a Saxon (Germanic) Practice the original being quite like Segnature. They have both Male and Female practitioners (sorry for lack of better terminology for gender). And both have different arts, one may be a healer, or may know the art of divination. But, have different traditions. And remember, Aradia is really a type of spirit, never was she a Human being, and if you call out to her, you're probably not going to get Aradia Justa on the other end. And there is no such thing as the "First Witch". There's also those who left Rome at an earlier time whenever some celebrations were banned.
@@drangelapuca Do you also look for references in latin? Are you interested on witchcraft knowledge of the middle ages? What do you know about those witches? Are there trustable historical evidences that they really fly around with brooms or is it just a legend?
I have Italian heritage and even though my religion's Haitian Voodoo I completely appreciate this beautiful knowledge of what you shared and so I must say thank you very much
My family is Italian, they came from Naples and Genoa. I've always known Stregheria was Italian American, but what I want is to know more about the actual roots. I know that my practice will never fully be authentic to anyone but me and I think that's beautiful. But I always want to know more and our family in Italy died out. It's a great loss and I yearn for connections ❤
Italian-American here, I am so grateful for your work. This is the part of my history left out of family records, not celebrated in our American festivals.
Thank you so much for this video! I’m part Italian American trying to find accurate information on folk magic and such and I’m glad to find your channel. I know Charles Leland work is controversial I got the book Aradia Gospel of Witches by Craig Spencer he is half Italian and attempts to revise Charles’s work. I am going to still read it but take with a grain of salt , I want to work with Diana perhaps incorporate some rituals in the book for me adopting into my practice. Raven Grimassi I have his Italian Witchcraft, though I disagree with some things he wrote but I think he still has value information like mythologies and legends even insight on spirits and gods I never knew about in Roman Paganism which I am grateful for.
I'm a Brazilian with family from Campania and Veneto, and I understand it completely. When I researched about Aradia I came to similar conclusions. I'll rewatch your takes on Signature! Thanks for the video!
This was a great honest discussion of Strega and Italian witchcraft - you approached it academically all the while being considerate. I appreciate and respect those of us willing to see things as they are and not try to unnecessarily validate witchcraft traditions where the source material and evidence is lacking at best. As I believe you can not build a strong house on a weak foundation. Thank you for your work!
As one of Raven's former initiates I will say that while I don't completely agree with everything you said. I'm also not offended by it. I really think that even if what Leland wrote about is incorrect, I don't think he did it on purpose. I don't have the space to really get into why that is the case. Raven was very sincere about what he taught. So before anyone assumes anything I just want to put it out there that I don't think he thought he was making things up. I have massive respect for Dr Puca so I am not meaning to attack her work here. Just saying the work of us practitioners is messy and complicated and doesn't always line up with history. But that doesn't mean we are making things up or lying.
@@brightbite I don't know if video is really my format. I am also by no stretch a Leland expert. I am just going off of conversations I have had with others that know far more about it than me.
Neither Raven Grimassi nor Leland set out to intentionally deceive anyone. I think Leland genuinely believed he had found the remnants of an ancient pagan tradition. The issue was that he paid Maddalena, his key informant; she came to depend on the money, and invented or adapted material in ways she thought would please her patron. Leland never questioned her or checked her information with anyone else. Raven had a different issue: he wanted to adapt practices and ideas that were part of his heritage to a modern Pagan context. He knew some concepts and practices would not go over well, so he changed them to conform better with what he knew would resonate with people today. He was a creative spirit, a true artist and innovator of tradition. If you want to learn more, head over to my academia.edu page and check out my articles on this topic, on which Angela based this video.
@@Grap3_S0da Family folk history hardly ever line up with .. academic .. history. My extended German born relatives I met back in the 1990's along with veterans of WW II. Claim they are a branch of druids and their family practices were no way near what was bring printed in the druid/wicca books of the early 1990's. When they go to raise energy within a circle, you could feel it. And I got some hard lessons from them, I was under no certain terms was part of their folk tradition. Nor will I ever be part of their tradition. German land spirits are a lot different then USA Illinois countryside spirits. Over the years at my grandparents' country land we tried to build small Japanese Shinto shrines, the deer, coyotes, bob cats , and raccoons would just tear the whole little garden apart within weeks.
Thank you so much Dr Puca! I was born and raised in Italy and was hesitant myself to talk about my experience of Italian folk tradition and magic as it didn't seem to have anything in common with what I hear of Stregheria, though I was taken plenty of time to have my "vermi segnati" during childhood, along with looking into oil bottles to supposedly remove the malocchio. I finally relented and made a video about my experience and if that's ok with you I will link this video as one of the sources as you explained it better than I ever could and with receipts! Thank you! Ysha 🖤
I have Italian-American family with new age leanings, so naturally they had Grimassi's book around the house. Got kind of curious about the context behind it after learning how much of the historical basis for many of these traditions is purely fabricated -- this was a great video that addressed a lot of my questions (and confirmed some suspicions haha)! Really love your approach in acknowledging that even if the practice isn't "authentic" in the historical sense it can still be meaningful in people's lives. Thank you!
Born in Italy... I've been interested in my grandmother's Old Religion... I've been on a quest for a while now. .❤ thank you so much for sharing your wisdom 🙏
Interesting video, thank you. Concerning whether or not certain traditions and practices are ancient in an unbroken lineage, or rather, more modern but including inspiration from ancient concepts, it sounds like you and your mentor Dr Hutton are coming from a similar point of view here, as what he has said about Wicca over the last 30 years. People tend to place a lot of importance on traditions being ancient, but I think you guys would confirm that whether something is valid and worthwhile as a form of spirituality isn't dependent on how old it is. My understanding is that Hutton ruffled some feathers at first but is now widely liked in the Pagan community as people realised his sincerity and goodwill.'
As someone with little interest in, or exposure to Wicca/Neo-paganism, this was very timely and informative. Popular culture presents us with a dizzying array of associations to old Italian traditions and this served as an exercise in scholarly hygiene for me in that I have a better sense of where to start any investigations.
I was an etruscan priestess in a past life, untill the romans attacked my village. In this life, I am a witch and clairovoyant, working with Diana, The Sun, Hestia and Hathor, as my four main deities 😊
Mille grazie. I bought Leylands book and it’s as thick as the Bible. I read one chapter and I just couldn’t click with it. You saved me a ton of senseless reading. Lol This very video came to me because I’ve been trying to find some kind of content that would clarify this very topic. My parents are from Sicily, we have a lot of tradition and superstition and in 42 years of listening to many uncles and aunts tell old stories, lore, remedies, charms and prayers and the like, I never heard the word Stregha…ever.
I read Leland's book (due to good reviews on Amazon) and was surprised by a couple of things: Many of the rites include threatening the deities with ‘no peace or joy’ unless the witch got what he/she wanted. There was also information about poisoning the lords in their palaces and ruining their crops.
Actually, that's no too odd. The ancients did coerce deities by threats of withholding sacrifices, etc. The Gods were not seen as omnipotent. They could be goaded by various formulae. As a votary of Hecate I would **never** curse Her. In Italian folk Catholicism this archaic use of threatening saints for not answering prayers can include inverting statues and so on. One couldn't pay me enough to curse a deity.
@@stevenmarcato1325 Quote from Conan The Barbarian: "Valor pleases you, Crom... so grant me one request. Grant me revenge! And if you do not listen, then the HELL with you!"
Interesting that Stregheria sounds similar to the Romanian term Strigoi, which is a shape shifting spirit often inaccurately described as a vampire. And both words may derive from the Latin Striga, sometimes translated as witch, and which is also the Romanian word for yell/shout/call out
As an italian American “witch” if you want to call it that I can confirm that many pagan concepts have worked their way into hereditary traditions. Fir example ancient romam bulla and lunala amulet ls are where taught to be made. My grandmother taught me how to create such amulets but with a folm catholic spin. I wore the amulet until thirteen until it was placed on an altar to a family saint of sorts called Spiritelli Morte.
I'm not italian, though Ancestry tells me I have some italian somewhere in there. But my known ancestry is Lebanese and Spanish... so, Mediterranean. Anyways, I have studied Wicca and I know that this tradition is not as ancient as some want it to be. The important thing is the connection to the Ancestors, and to the ways of our bloodlines (whether physical or spiritual). I think you have respected that connection in how you presented this topic.Thank you for your studies, and for offering us truth with all sincerity.
I met "Grimassi" two times. Each time he was quite dismissive (and a little defensive) when I would speak about the Italian folk magic practised by my paternal grandmum and my great branding and her mother (on the distaff side). My mum was English. My maternal nan's family is from Felito, and my dad's from Naples. All the same, I do like Leland's work. I am a student and practitioner of Greco-Roman magic (with no "k") at the end.
I just remember my grandmother doing things and me wanting to help. She would tell me little things here and there about how she did some prayers or other actions that I always found curious. I would often ask if I could help, my grandfather would wave me off and say "no no. Just let the women take care of it. They know what they are doing and you don't want to make it turn out bad". When I would talk about some of the stuff with other family members my uncle would say, "IF you are. You don't talk about it with outsiders. Even other family that don't know" because they would pick and choose who they trusted to see it. As I see people on TH-cam trying to sell books or say "well MY family said this and we are right. You can buy these books at Amazon" or something along those lines I always cringe. The way my family did things has all but died off with the passing of my "off the boat" Italian family, and it's not done by any book you could buy or online classes and we don't share with outsiders. I can almost feel my grandmother shaking her head at me and saying my name in a dissapointed way for even typing this out.
Our grandparents had to grow up with a level of secrecy we don't need now days, unless you still live in some parts of Europe or the American South with all of those Bible thumping Evangelists. Just cause the royal government and academics claim witchcraft isn't real and it is illegal to charge and execute people for witchcraft, doesn't mean there are not people in your home community will not just out right kill you for it in the middle of the night. Pass few years have shown, people are not really civilized at all in mob/riot behavior.
@@krispalermo8133 I can see that yet the most grief I have always seen is when someone tries to tell me how I am Wiccan or a low level Shame and that I need to follow their rules. When I was living in Motta Anistasia in Sicily, there had been quite a few times that visitors would see my Warhammer models that sat on a display shelf and assumed them to be devil icons. They would immediately leave. When I lived in Mississippi I had been invited quite a few times to Pagan rights that were being done out in the open on the coast in Biloxi/Gulfport right next to a major highway. I also had more people know about my LBGT status there (and was treated better) than in NJ or Chicago. In reality though a large portion of the entire ordeal is those that one would surround themselves with.
I mean no disrespect to either Dr. Martello nor R. Grimassi as I knew both & hosted Grimassi at my B&M occult shop from ‘96-‘05 (closed in ‘06). A few things I’ll add; when Martello found out about Grimassi writing the book he was worried the “real” stuff would come out & Grimassi had to promise that wouldn’t happen. However I’ve no idea as to what Martello was referring to as “real”, as he only alluded to things I knew from my family. The other thing is Grimassi’s family is from Naples like ½ my mothers side (other side is from Amantea in Calabria, he’s 1/2 German & some kind of Celtic similar to my fathers side) but he had no clue when I mentioned our “witchy” family traditions which always sat odd w/ me, led me to keep my mouth shut😉. Don’t get me wrong, I believe he’s sincere, was a lovely man & is missed but as to the “Italian Witchcraft”🤷🏼♀️. Thanks so much Angela, trying to explain to others is so difficult as Grimassi was such a popular author who did many workshops that were useful nonetheless. Have a lovely weekend! Jet 🧡🎸🎶⚡️
@@drangelapuca - I forgot to add the stuff Dr. Martello alluded to were things you could find in any book on Italian folk magick. The stuff that was passed down to me was quite different (even how we took off malocchio; R Grimassi tried grilling me on that one- learned my lesson long ago to keep my mouth shut😉).
I loved this video. It's nice to get a fresh perspective on something I hear so little about. No one talks about how Stregheria is more like Wicca (of British origin) in its framework. It doesn't mean it's bad, it's just a product of the times because as you mention here, a lot of practices have died out because those who practiced them took it all with them to the grave. Like my great grandmother, she was the last person in my family to perform things like this, before me, and I am constantly looking for new sources to connect with what I could not learn firsthand.
I think its way more complex than saying just because something isnt of popular opinion or documented by being written down that something cannot possibly be true. Especially when it comes to any spiritual teaching that was primarily taught ORALLY and not by written word. I know many doubt Grimassis works but my mother was of Southern Italian heritage ;I can say with certainty she was never involved in or studied Wicca nor Stregheria yet passed to me teachings and practices that GREATLY resemble some of Grimassis teachings...also when you look into Grimassis teachings he blatantly says in order to keep initiatory oaths to his family tradition that he provided what he could publicly and filled in the pieces with modern Wicca because it would be familiar and approachable to most interested readers as well as modernize some of the more incomplete or archaic traditions -and this has happend with MANY familial traditions of Witchcraft and not just Italian ones or ones in the United States because I later became an initiate of a American tradition of Witchcraft with Scottish/Italian and Cherokee magick and customs/roots and the family that founded it also openly states that because more or less family numbers were dwindeling and in order to keep the tradition alive they had to open up the tradition to members that were not family. And to do this they started incorporating Wiccan elememts similar to family teachings they did not want to pass on to non family members,or were.too old fashioned or archaic and many may not relate to or find spiritual nourishment from. This doeant make Stregheria less Italian magick or any modern family tradition that incorporated Wiccan elements less traditional-it means as a religion we did what many modern and more popular religions refuse to do-we change and adapt to the times to keep our spiritual teachings relevant and useful to future generations-we add to our teachings but we never remove anything from them.
We live in a time when you have to apologize to present facts.... That says a lot about the place of today's spirituality: people prefer what makes dream over what is true.
I find it really.odd how people doubt Grimassi when Sabine Maggliochi interviewed him and his mother and she confirms they practice a hereditary form of Italian.folk magic.
I have Italian Canadian heritage, 2nd generation European Canadian. I was raised atheist but was always drawn into the occult as a youth, Catholic Theology and a young woman, and now ancestral magic. I would love to know more about Northern Italian practices. I did not know my grandparents and believe they were cut off from this tradition, but they did know and fear the witches as I was was once told my my father. I do believe my estranged father has dark spiritual knowledge since his influences have been particularly destructive and quite influential. I do want to learn more about Magic tradition in general, Italian influences, Dark and light Goddess, Wicca because I believe knowledge is power in controlling our human nature collectively in a productive way. Interesting channel!
Excellent material. The prolific Leland wrote another book (not Aradia) called Stregheria, and it seems, to an innocent like me, to be more grounded in folk practice and memory. In particular he tries to relate the names of deities and spirits to Etruscan. Is this book also equally flawed?
Yeah! I'm Greek , Roman , English , Mexican , Native American Indian , Spanish , Italian , Scottish and Hungarian and I'm glad to learn about my European heritage
What you say of Stregheria's cultural function is very close to the concept of intercultural therapy (as performed on migrants). I find it fascinating, thank you so much for all the hard work!
Just curious if this is common amongst others from Campania or South Italy. My nonna once told my dad to use the mortar and pestal to remove the evil eye. I also found her praying to a rose in a glass with an ice cube in it. she said that when the ice melts it will be heard and hopefully answered. Also my great grandmother from calabria had learned eastern medicine like cupping and other things from her mother. Unfortunately thats all I know
Thank you for sharing. I wish my grandmother would have passed down her info but my mother wouldn't allow it and tossed her tarot cards. My mom's side from Foggia. My fathers side from England and are Romani. I haven't any info from them other than a few things my grandmother was able to teach me. Since both sides practices are passed down I feel so lost and would have loved to have passed down to my daughters. I have read many books but never heard before of the authors you mentioned. Thanks so much foe your info
Authenticity os an extremely difficult ask in 2022. I'm not suggesting you just plainly follow Crowley or Gardener, god forbid lol, but do your research as well as finding the path that resonates. Thank you for the video and let us all cast our spells for peace in this world, the real demons are busy fucking up our future
I am Italian American. My mom used to tell me stories about her mother (my nonna) and the other ladies getting together and deciphering dreams. My mom didn't believe anything because she was proud of leaving all that behind to become a chemist back when the girls wern't really allowed to go to school. It was the 1940's and she wanted to be all american. I, however, wanted so badly to learn the Italian ways. I read Grimassi and Leland but like you said, it did not ring true. I don't even know where to look for the info. We are from Grottommare and San Benedetto. Can you point me in the right direction to learn more about my heritage regarding pagan ways? In the USA, there isn't a lot of the older generation still alive. My relatives in Italy are very Catholic. Not a good source. Thank you. You make me proud!
I’m an American with Italian ancestry from central and northern Italy. I’m a pagan and witch.I do not incorporate my ancestry to my practice. I do remember my grandmother doing the warding off of the evil eye. All I know is that it consisted of water, olive oil and a butter knife lol I was always under the assumption that many early practitioners of paganism in the US practiced a form of Wicca and just used different pantheons in their practice. Like Celtic, Roman, Egyptian, Greek, Norse. Etc. I didn’t think it had links to actual ancient beliefs or practices.
I wondering if you could provide sources for learning/practicing some of the more shamanistic Italian traditions? I know that Alessandra Belloni who teaches Tarantella drum and dance has considered herself to be a shaman in regards to the work she does, do you have any commentary in regard to her work?
Stregheria may not be be Italian witchcraft but it is definitely Italian American Wicca. One is a practice, one is a federally recognized religion (albeit a modern one). Not the same.
because traditional wicca and stregeria is so entwined, is it wrong for me to uses some aspects from the practice? my italian teacher gave me the go ahead to learn italian folk magic in general even though i’m british jewish, but i was wondering if anyone has any other opinions ?
Isn't all modern witchcraft reconstructionist? I'm 1/2 Sicilian and 1/2 German. I follow the Avalonian path. There is no way to practice any path older than 3 generations in this modern world.
Well, it didn't offend me, but then again the only thing I can ever claim my great granny did was make a lot of kids... and mistakes! ha ha (No disrespect to my Nanny at all!)
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I am Italian-American and I appreciate people like Grimassi just for trying to provide us with some sort of framework that has been lost over the years. My interest and fascination with paganism and witchcraft was nurtured by my Catholic grandparents, my grandmothers dresser altar to Mary, the Italian horns, and superstitions around the evil eye. When I first read Grimassi, I was irritated by how Wiccan it was but I have grown to appreciate what he has tried to do for Americans. I wish more of the traditions from Italy proper had made it over, at least in my family. I identify with the term Strega but am always on the search for more non-Wiccan based information. Thank you for this video and your wonderful channel Dr. Puca. Are there any good English language sources I can read through that you would recommend? (Other than your source material because I’m working my way through!)
There isn't much in English on the matter, I'm afraid. That's why I included that in my PhD. I will be publishing a book on the matter next year. For now, there are the sources listed in the infobox or other sources in Italian
Something that's a bit less academic, but more in the Catholic traditional element to check out is the podcast and Instagram page "st Anthony's tongue"
Different traditions came from different regions. I do believe if you read where Leland was going, you'll find that Aradia, if there ever was a person, you'll find that another story has been in Slavic Culture as well. You'll also find that Hexerei, Braucherei, the Orthodox Church whisperer. Senature is the cultural practice brought with people who came to different places into the Catholic Communities, the rest followed, the Folletto or spirits are just helpers, like in Hexerei.
Also if you read other works by Leland there was no mention of Aradia, but there is a Story about another Witch who is likened unto La Befana. Carradora.
Italian Traditions are family traditions handed down. And like customs in villages, can differ from one neighbor to another.
As far as Wicca, those are two different traditions that came from a Tribal people who were under the Reign of Queen Isabella wife of Henry the 3rd in the 12th century. The Hwicca (a Germanic tribe) and her Italian Entourage, including the disheveled Romans or Romani of Britain.
So, it is safe to say that you are a Wiccan who worships the old Gods of Greece, Italy, and of the Celtic Estruscans, Etruscans no longer being Celtic, because they're Italian from from the Middle Region of Italy and moved to now what is known as Tuscany, and some were even displaced during the migrations of the Roman Catholic Church.
My signs (cast by my hands by the way), My herbal remedies etc. All have Italian roots, but it's also sad to know that Wiccans today don't know different traditions that can come from a different region. I've only worked with one other on the matters, and she was born in America, but her Parents were Greco/Romani. Lots of times people hear the term Romani and instantly think of Travellers, yes there's some in the mix along the way, but Romani basically means Roman.
I think really, unless you still have a Lare Shrine in your home, and only have family knowledge of your craft, you can call yourself a Wiccan. Of course, you have to know the parenting practice of WiccianCraeft (Weechean crayft) a Saxon (Germanic) Practice the original being quite like Segnature. They have both Male and Female practitioners (sorry for lack of better terminology for gender). And both have different arts, one may be a healer, or may know the art of divination. But, have different traditions. And remember, Aradia is really a type of spirit, never was she a Human being, and if you call out to her, you're probably not going to get Aradia Justa on the other end. And there is no such thing as the "First Witch". There's also those who left Rome at an earlier time whenever some celebrations were banned.
@@drangelapuca Do you also look for references in latin? Are you interested on witchcraft knowledge of the middle ages? What do you know about those witches? Are there trustable historical evidences that they really fly around with brooms or is it just a legend?
So VERY diplomatic .....but your points were very clearly made.
Thanks
I like the description of Gramassi's Stregeria as "Italian-American".
It is 🙂
I have Italian heritage and even though my religion's Haitian Voodoo I completely appreciate this beautiful knowledge of what you shared and so I must say thank you very much
Thanks for laying it all out for us. I praise your bravery and respect your research!
Thank you!
My family is Italian, they came from Naples and Genoa. I've always known Stregheria was Italian American, but what I want is to know more about the actual roots. I know that my practice will never fully be authentic to anyone but me and I think that's beautiful. But I always want to know more and our family in Italy died out. It's a great loss and I yearn for connections ❤
That's totally understandable
Italian-American here, I am so grateful for your work. This is the part of my history left out of family records, not celebrated in our American festivals.
Hope it was helpful
Stregheria reminds me of Wicca with Italian spice. This a great video with an academic explanation.
Interesting!
I have heard Gardner actually brought stregheria to Italy and its mostly his work.
Thank you so much for this video! I’m part Italian American trying to find accurate information on folk magic and such and I’m glad to find your channel. I know Charles Leland work is controversial I got the book Aradia Gospel of Witches by Craig Spencer he is half Italian and attempts to revise Charles’s work. I am going to still read it but take with a grain of salt , I want to work with Diana perhaps incorporate some rituals in the book for me adopting into my practice. Raven Grimassi I have his Italian Witchcraft, though I disagree with some things he wrote but I think he still has value information like mythologies and legends even insight on spirits and gods I never knew about in Roman Paganism which I am grateful for.
I'm a Brazilian with family from Campania and Veneto, and I understand it completely. When I researched about Aradia I came to similar conclusions.
I'll rewatch your takes on Signature! Thanks for the video!
You're welcome 😊
This was a great honest discussion of Strega and Italian witchcraft - you approached it academically all the while being considerate. I appreciate and respect those of us willing to see things as they are and not try to unnecessarily validate witchcraft traditions where the source material and evidence is lacking at best.
As I believe you can not build a strong house on a weak foundation.
Thank you for your work!
Thank you for your appreciation
As one of Raven's former initiates I will say that while I don't completely agree with everything you said. I'm also not offended by it. I really think that even if what Leland wrote about is incorrect, I don't think he did it on purpose. I don't have the space to really get into why that is the case. Raven was very sincere about what he taught. So before anyone assumes anything I just want to put it out there that I don't think he thought he was making things up. I have massive respect for Dr Puca so I am not meaning to attack her work here. Just saying the work of us practitioners is messy and complicated and doesn't always line up with history. But that doesn't mean we are making things up or lying.
Upload a video about that?
@@brightbite I don't know if video is really my format. I am also by no stretch a Leland expert. I am just going off of conversations I have had with others that know far more about it than me.
Neither Raven Grimassi nor Leland set out to intentionally deceive anyone. I think Leland genuinely believed he had found the remnants of an ancient pagan tradition. The issue was that he paid Maddalena, his key informant; she came to depend on the money, and invented or adapted material in ways she thought would please her patron. Leland never questioned her or checked her information with anyone else. Raven had a different issue: he wanted to adapt practices and ideas that were part of his heritage to a modern Pagan context. He knew some concepts and practices would not go over well, so he changed them to conform better with what he knew would resonate with people today. He was a creative spirit, a true artist and innovator of tradition. If you want to learn more, head over to my academia.edu page and check out my articles on this topic, on which Angela based this video.
@@Grap3_S0da Family folk history hardly ever line up with .. academic .. history.
My extended German born relatives I met back in the 1990's along with veterans of WW II. Claim they are a branch of druids and their family practices were no way near what was bring printed in the druid/wicca books of the early 1990's. When they go to raise energy within a circle, you could feel it. And I got some hard lessons from them, I was under no certain terms was part of their folk tradition. Nor will I ever be part of their tradition.
German land spirits are a lot different then USA Illinois countryside spirits.
Over the years at my grandparents' country land we tried to build small Japanese Shinto shrines, the deer, coyotes, bob cats , and raccoons would just tear the whole little garden apart within weeks.
Hi Mike, I totally understand what you mean. Practices and beliefs are indeed complex. 😊
Thank you so much Dr Puca! I was born and raised in Italy and was hesitant myself to talk about my experience of Italian folk tradition and magic as it didn't seem to have anything in common with what I hear of Stregheria, though I was taken plenty of time to have my "vermi segnati" during childhood, along with looking into oil bottles to supposedly remove the malocchio. I finally relented and made a video about my experience and if that's ok with you I will link this video as one of the sources as you explained it better than I ever could and with receipts! Thank you! Ysha 🖤
I am so here for this! Thank you Dr. Puca ! 🙌💜
You're most welcome
Of course, astoundingly well researched (as always)- and eloquently presented, and gracious.
Thanks!
I have Italian-American family with new age leanings, so naturally they had Grimassi's book around the house. Got kind of curious about the context behind it after learning how much of the historical basis for many of these traditions is purely fabricated -- this was a great video that addressed a lot of my questions (and confirmed some suspicions haha)! Really love your approach in acknowledging that even if the practice isn't "authentic" in the historical sense it can still be meaningful in people's lives. Thank you!
Born in Italy... I've been interested in my grandmother's Old Religion... I've been on a quest for a while now. .❤ thank you so much for sharing your wisdom 🙏
Interesting video, thank you. Concerning whether or not certain traditions and practices are ancient in an unbroken lineage, or rather, more modern but including inspiration from ancient concepts, it sounds like you and your mentor Dr Hutton are coming from a similar point of view here, as what he has said about Wicca over the last 30 years. People tend to place a lot of importance on traditions being ancient, but I think you guys would confirm that whether something is valid and worthwhile as a form of spirituality isn't dependent on how old it is. My understanding is that Hutton ruffled some feathers at first but is now widely liked in the Pagan community as people realised his sincerity and goodwill.'
As a student of comparative studies for ages. I do like your videos very much.
Glad you like them!
Informative, objective, and tasteful.
Thanks
Fascinating. I see why it maybe controversial but thanks for helping begin a discussion on this topic.
You'll most welcome 😊
Thanks!
Flawless videos from this channel each time.
Thanks
As someone with little interest in, or exposure to Wicca/Neo-paganism, this was very timely and informative. Popular culture presents us with a dizzying array of associations to old Italian traditions and this served as an exercise in scholarly hygiene for me in that I have a better sense of where to start any investigations.
thanks
I was an etruscan priestess in a past life, untill the romans attacked my village. In this life, I am a witch and clairovoyant, working with Diana, The Sun, Hestia and Hathor, as my four main deities 😊
J’aime beaucoup votre approche historique et anthropologique.
Merci
Mille grazie. I bought Leylands book and it’s as thick as the Bible. I read one chapter and I just couldn’t click with it. You saved me a ton of senseless reading. Lol This very video came to me because I’ve been trying to find some kind of content that would clarify this very topic. My parents are from Sicily, we have a lot of tradition and superstition and in 42 years of listening to many uncles and aunts tell old stories, lore, remedies, charms and prayers and the like, I never heard the word Stregha…ever.
Prego!
I read Leland's book (due to good reviews on Amazon) and was surprised by a couple of things:
Many of the rites include threatening the deities with ‘no peace or joy’ unless the witch got what he/she wanted.
There was also information about poisoning the lords in their palaces and ruining their crops.
Thanks for sharing
Actually, that's no too odd. The ancients did coerce deities by threats of withholding sacrifices, etc. The Gods were not seen as omnipotent. They could be goaded by various formulae.
As a votary of Hecate I would **never** curse Her.
In Italian folk Catholicism this archaic use of threatening saints for not answering prayers can include inverting statues and so on.
One couldn't pay me enough to curse a deity.
@@stevenmarcato1325 Quote from Conan The Barbarian: "Valor pleases you, Crom... so grant me one request. Grant me revenge! And if you do not listen, then the HELL with you!"
Interesting that Stregheria sounds similar to the Romanian term Strigoi, which is a shape shifting spirit often inaccurately described as a vampire. And both words may derive from the Latin Striga, sometimes translated as witch, and which is also the Romanian word for yell/shout/call out
As an italian American “witch” if you want to call it that I can confirm that many pagan concepts have worked their way into hereditary traditions. Fir example ancient romam bulla and lunala amulet ls are where taught to be made. My grandmother taught me how to create such amulets but with a folm catholic spin. I wore the amulet until thirteen until it was placed on an altar to a family saint of sorts called Spiritelli Morte.
I'm not italian, though Ancestry tells me I have some italian somewhere in there. But my known ancestry is Lebanese and Spanish... so, Mediterranean. Anyways, I have studied Wicca and I know that this tradition is not as ancient as some want it to be. The important thing is the connection to the Ancestors, and to the ways of our bloodlines (whether physical or spiritual). I think you have respected that connection in how you presented this topic.Thank you for your studies, and for offering us truth with all sincerity.
You're always lovely
I met "Grimassi" two times. Each time he was quite dismissive (and a little defensive) when I would speak about the Italian folk magic practised by my paternal grandmum and my great branding and her mother (on the distaff side). My mum was English. My maternal nan's family is from Felito, and my dad's from Naples.
All the same, I do like Leland's work. I am a student and practitioner of Greco-Roman magic (with no "k") at the end.
The miracles of autocorrect never cease to amaze me. "grand branding" is supposed to be "great grandmum" . .sorry.
Thanks for sharing
I just remember my grandmother doing things and me wanting to help. She would tell me little things here and there about how she did some prayers or other actions that I always found curious. I would often ask if I could help, my grandfather would wave me off and say "no no. Just let the women take care of it. They know what they are doing and you don't want to make it turn out bad". When I would talk about some of the stuff with other family members my uncle would say, "IF you are. You don't talk about it with outsiders. Even other family that don't know" because they would pick and choose who they trusted to see it.
As I see people on TH-cam trying to sell books or say "well MY family said this and we are right. You can buy these books at Amazon" or something along those lines I always cringe.
The way my family did things has all but died off with the passing of my "off the boat" Italian family, and it's not done by any book you could buy or online classes and we don't share with outsiders. I can almost feel my grandmother shaking her head at me and saying my name in a dissapointed way for even typing this out.
Our grandparents had to grow up with a level of secrecy we don't need now days, unless you still live in some parts of Europe or the American South with all of those Bible thumping Evangelists. Just cause the royal government and academics claim witchcraft isn't real and it is illegal to charge and execute people for witchcraft, doesn't mean there are not people in your home community will not just out right kill you for it in the middle of the night.
Pass few years have shown, people are not really civilized at all in mob/riot behavior.
@@krispalermo8133 I can see that yet the most grief I have always seen is when someone tries to tell me how I am Wiccan or a low level Shame and that I need to follow their rules.
When I was living in Motta Anistasia in Sicily, there had been quite a few times that visitors would see my Warhammer models that sat on a display shelf and assumed them to be devil icons. They would immediately leave.
When I lived in Mississippi I had been invited quite a few times to Pagan rights that were being done out in the open on the coast in Biloxi/Gulfport right next to a major highway. I also had more people know about my LBGT status there (and was treated better) than in NJ or Chicago.
In reality though a large portion of the entire ordeal is those that one would surround themselves with.
Thanks for sharing
I mean no disrespect to either Dr. Martello nor R. Grimassi as I knew both & hosted Grimassi at my B&M occult shop from ‘96-‘05 (closed in ‘06). A few things I’ll add; when Martello found out about Grimassi writing the book he was worried the “real” stuff would come out & Grimassi had to promise that wouldn’t happen. However I’ve no idea as to what Martello was referring to as “real”, as he only alluded to things I knew from my family. The other thing is Grimassi’s family is from Naples like ½ my mothers side (other side is from Amantea in Calabria, he’s 1/2 German & some kind of Celtic similar to my fathers side) but he had no clue when I mentioned our “witchy” family traditions which always sat odd w/ me, led me to keep my mouth shut😉. Don’t get me wrong, I believe he’s sincere, was a lovely man & is missed but as to the “Italian Witchcraft”🤷🏼♀️. Thanks so much Angela, trying to explain to others is so difficult as Grimassi was such a popular author who did many workshops that were useful nonetheless. Have a lovely weekend! Jet 🧡🎸🎶⚡️
Interesting. Thanks for sharing!
@@drangelapuca - I forgot to add the stuff Dr. Martello alluded to were things you could find in any book on Italian folk magick. The stuff that was passed down to me was quite different (even how we took off malocchio; R Grimassi tried grilling me on that one- learned my lesson long ago to keep my mouth shut😉).
Thank you Angela, very informative.
Thanks
I loved this video. It's nice to get a fresh perspective on something I hear so little about.
No one talks about how Stregheria is more like Wicca (of British origin) in its framework. It doesn't mean it's bad, it's just a product of the times because as you mention here, a lot of practices have died out because those who practiced them took it all with them to the grave. Like my great grandmother, she was the last person in my family to perform things like this, before me, and I am constantly looking for new sources to connect with what I could not learn firsthand.
Very informative. Thank you. 🌹
Thank you, James!
Well done!!
Thanks
brilliant thank you
I think its way more complex than saying just because something isnt of popular opinion or documented by being written down that something cannot possibly be true. Especially when it comes to any spiritual teaching that was primarily taught ORALLY and not by written word. I know many doubt Grimassis works but my mother was of Southern Italian heritage ;I can say with certainty she was never involved in or studied Wicca nor Stregheria yet passed to me teachings and practices that GREATLY resemble some of Grimassis teachings...also when you look into Grimassis teachings he blatantly says in order to keep initiatory oaths to his family tradition that he provided what he could publicly and filled in the pieces with modern Wicca because it would be familiar and approachable to most interested readers as well as modernize some of the more incomplete or archaic traditions -and this has happend with MANY familial traditions of Witchcraft and not just Italian ones or ones in the United States because I later became an initiate of a American tradition of Witchcraft with Scottish/Italian and Cherokee magick and customs/roots and the family that founded it also openly states that because more or less family numbers were dwindeling and in order to keep the tradition alive they had to open up the tradition to members that were not family. And to do this they started incorporating Wiccan elememts similar to family teachings they did not want to pass on to non family members,or were.too old fashioned or archaic and many may not relate to or find spiritual nourishment from. This doeant make Stregheria less Italian magick or any modern family tradition that incorporated Wiccan elements less traditional-it means as a religion we did what many modern and more popular religions refuse to do-we change and adapt to the times to keep our spiritual teachings relevant and useful to future generations-we add to our teachings but we never remove anything from them.
We live in a time when you have to apologize to present facts.... That says a lot about the place of today's spirituality: people prefer what makes dream over what is true.
I find it really.odd how people doubt Grimassi when Sabine Maggliochi interviewed him and his mother and she confirms they practice a hereditary form of Italian.folk magic.
I have Italian Canadian heritage, 2nd generation European Canadian. I was raised atheist but was always drawn into the occult as a youth, Catholic Theology and a young woman, and now ancestral magic. I would love to know more about Northern Italian practices. I did not know my grandparents and believe they were cut off from this tradition, but they did know and fear the witches as I was was once told my my father. I do believe my estranged father has dark spiritual knowledge since his influences have been particularly destructive and quite influential. I do want to learn more about Magic tradition in general, Italian influences, Dark and light Goddess, Wicca because I believe knowledge is power in controlling our human nature collectively in a productive way. Interesting channel!
Excellent material. The prolific Leland wrote another book (not Aradia) called Stregheria, and it seems, to an innocent like me, to be more grounded in folk practice and memory. In particular he tries to relate the names of deities and spirits to Etruscan. Is this book also equally flawed?
Yeah! I'm Greek , Roman , English , Mexican , Native American Indian , Spanish , Italian , Scottish and Hungarian and I'm glad to learn about my European heritage
What you say of Stregheria's cultural function is very close to the concept of intercultural therapy (as performed on migrants). I find it fascinating, thank you so much for all the hard work!
Just curious if this is common amongst others from Campania or South Italy. My nonna once told my dad to use the mortar and pestal to remove the evil eye. I also found her praying to a rose in a glass with an ice cube in it. she said that when the ice melts it will be heard and hopefully answered. Also my great grandmother from calabria had learned eastern medicine like cupping and other things from her mother. Unfortunately thats all I know
Thank you for sharing. I wish my grandmother would have passed down her info but my mother wouldn't allow it and tossed her tarot cards. My mom's side from Foggia. My fathers side from England and are Romani. I haven't any info from them other than a few things my grandmother was able to teach me. Since both sides practices are passed down I feel so lost and would have loved to have passed down to my daughters. I have read many books but never heard before of the authors you mentioned. Thanks so much foe your info
"Wicca with Italian Characteristics" in a lot of ways. Which is valid.
Authenticity os an extremely difficult ask in 2022. I'm not suggesting you just plainly follow Crowley or Gardener, god forbid lol, but do your research as well as finding the path that resonates. Thank you for the video and let us all cast our spells for peace in this world, the real demons are busy fucking up our future
I am Italian American. My mom used to tell me stories about her mother (my nonna) and the other ladies getting together and deciphering dreams. My mom didn't believe anything because she was proud of leaving all that behind to become a chemist back when the girls wern't really allowed to go to school. It was the 1940's and she wanted to be all american. I, however, wanted so badly to learn the Italian ways. I read Grimassi and Leland but like you said, it did not ring true. I don't even know where to look for the info. We are from Grottommare and San Benedetto. Can you point me in the right direction to learn more about my heritage regarding pagan ways? In the USA, there isn't a lot of the older generation still alive. My relatives in Italy are very Catholic. Not a good source. Thank you. You make me proud!
Thank you for this informative video. Also, where did you get the awesome moon necklace?
On a Goth forum years ago
@@drangelapuca if you didn't guess that was from Teresa. She loves you outfits.
I would love to hear about the Galli, my ancestors. (And not just focusing on castration, the typical angle you find in encyclopedias.)
"Tell us what you think about the matter"
Dancing naked, . . . . .
No thoughts😂
I wish I could see all your outfits ❤
I’m an American with Italian ancestry from central and northern Italy. I’m a pagan and witch.I do not incorporate my ancestry to my practice. I do remember my grandmother doing the warding off of the evil eye. All I know is that it consisted of water, olive oil and a butter knife lol I was always under the assumption that many early practitioners of paganism in the US practiced a form of Wicca and just used different pantheons in their practice. Like Celtic, Roman, Egyptian, Greek, Norse. Etc. I didn’t think it had links to actual ancient beliefs or practices.
I wondering if you could provide sources for learning/practicing some of the more shamanistic Italian traditions? I know that Alessandra Belloni who teaches Tarantella drum and dance has considered herself to be a shaman in regards to the work she does, do you have any commentary in regard to her work?
There isn't much in English, I'm afraid. I'll publish a book next year
I really appreciate the scholarly rigour thanks
You're most welcome
Interesting!
Thanks
I was actually more interested in Grimassi's grandfather who he said was a witch and Freemason. Did he even exist? Does anyone know?
I grew up with a family of Benedicarias and each one of them has a different spin on their rituals.
thanks for sharing
If Stregheria comes as a traditional Italian pasta dish I'm all for it.
Stregheria and meatballs? YOU BETCHA!👍
😂😂😂
Hi!
Do Avigliana have history of witches? I am going to move ther 😊
Stregheria may not be be Italian witchcraft but it is definitely Italian American Wicca. One is a practice, one is a federally recognized religion (albeit a modern one). Not the same.
because traditional wicca and stregeria is so entwined, is it wrong for me to uses some aspects from the practice? my italian teacher gave me the go ahead to learn italian folk magic in general even though i’m british jewish, but i was wondering if anyone has any other opinions ?
Disciples is normally pronounced diss-eye-pls for info
Intersting !! :D
Thanks!
what about mal occhio?
Where can I read your studies that you published. I don't mind paying a library for it.
On academia.edu and research gate
Qualcuno glie lo doveva pur dire...
eh già
Do you offer for hire to see if someone has malocchio upon them?
❤️saluti dall'Italia.
Ciao!
Aww, no Sunday live stream?
Not this week, but next week there will be!
Can English people practice this? I'm in UK and drawn to all things Italian
💜 💜 💜 💜 💜 💜 💜 💜
🖤🖤🖤
❤️
🖤
2:38 NOVANTADUE MINUTI DI APPLAUSI!
Grazie mille!
How better to fight mob bosses?
Don't
Isn't all modern witchcraft reconstructionist? I'm 1/2 Sicilian and 1/2 German. I follow the Avalonian path. There is no way to practice any path older than 3 generations in this modern world.
No. They aren't 🙂
Well, it didn't offend me, but then again the only thing I can ever claim my great granny did was make a lot of kids... and mistakes! ha ha (No disrespect to my Nanny at all!)
😂😂
If you want to do a really great spell , you have to leave it in the crock pot for three days .
Thanks!