Monday, October 31, 2016

THE ANCIENT ROOTS OF ITALIAN WITCHCRAFT
http://www.the-cauldron.org.uk/Resources/Ancient%20Roots%20of%20Italian%20Witchcrafta.pdf

Southern Italian Traditionalist Craft

"Southern Italic Witchcraft (by Nemesis)

NOTA BENE: This is most emphatically NOT a tell all. Streghe, like all other Traditional Occultists, value our Oaths and our Honor above all else. Hence there will NEVER be a public presentation, in any media, of our inner lore.

Rather, what this article focuses on are historic roots, folkloric practices, and common points of fellowship among Streghe working within a Southern Italian framework.

As such, the information contained herein is grounded in academic research, in popular folklore, and in my personal understanding of history and folklore. Please, please, please…hold me accountable for historical and grammatical errors.

This article is the result of a love for Mediterranean history, magical traditions of antiquity, and the folk beliefs of my grandmother, who expressed horror at my initial foray into the Occult, but who (later in life) came to regard my Path with respect and open acceptance. I dedicate this to her, to my initiating Elders and Teachers in the Craft, and to the Gods and Goddesses who ‘hath set my blood afire and causeth mine heart to live.’

Terminology

In mainland Italian, a female Witch is known as a Strega, while a male practitioner walks under the title of Stregone. Witches, in the plural, are Streghe – though groupings of all male practitioners may be called Stregoni.

The modern Italian word for Witchcraft is Stregoneria – another term, favored by most in America, is Stregheria. These terms mean the same thing, though cases may be made for one or the other being solely religious (or magical) in focus.

Historically, Streghe are rooted in the Latin word, Strix, which means both Witch and Screech Owl. However, different areas have their own words for a Witch – such as Saga, Venefica, Fata, and Ianare.

In Sicily, Strega/Stregone/Streghe mean much the same thing as they do on the mainland. “Witch” encompasses an entire spectrum – from crotchety spinsters to fortunetellers to practitioners of folk magic to those initiated into the surviving remnants of Pagan religion. The terms Maga (f) , Mago (m) , and Magi (plural) also mean “Witch (es) ” in Sicilian.

These were borrowed from the Hellenized Persian Magos (Priest / Miracle-worker) , and references (today) the Priesthood of the Old Religion.

In Sardinia, both Witches and Faeries go by the name of the Giane, in reference to cave-dwelling sorceresses of the mythic past.

In medieval times, the religious beliefs of Witches were known (amongst practitioners) as La Religione Vecchia (The Old Religion) or as il Societe di Diana (the Society of Diana) .

A more modern Italian phrase is Antiche Uzanse (the Ancient Ways) – while a poetic English-American reference is “The People of the Screech Owl”.

For the sake of brevity, I will use the English Witch, Witches, and Witchcraft in this article.

Historical Roots

Italy (as a unified nation) is a modern innovation brought about in the past 130 sum years. For Italic cultural specifics, each region and town had its own identity. Xenophobia was especially common and modern society has done little to change that.

Hence, each region and town – even each family – may be said to have its own Tradition, with its own distinct roots, methods, and “secret lore”.

Southern Italy has had, since ancient times, a strong influx of Etruscan and Greek cultures. Such were the number of Doric temples in Southern Italy and Sicily that the historians gave this area the title of Magna Graecia (or Greater Greece) .

Beyond that, there was a strong Phoenician and Egyptian influence, through trade. With Rome, the influence of Latin cultus began to take root, though Southern Italy retained its distinctly non-Roman flavor throughout its history.

Much evidence can be found linking modern Craft practices to a Greek or Roman precedent. It was Ovid who noted that Witches meet at night to celebrate the Mysteries of the Triple Goddess.

Thessalian Witches originated the practice of drawing down the Moon from the sky.

Theoricitus mentions that Witches of Greece and Southern Italy addressed prayers and incantations to the Moon

In more recent times, during the Crusades and the resulting Italian Renaissance, Arabs left their mark on Southern Italy. This is especially true of Sicily, Sardinia, and Malta.

For instance, the traditions of the tarantella (a dance steeped in magical folklore) have roots in and similarities to Middle Eastern dances performed by women to cure illness, divine the future, and gain visions from the Dead.

On the islands of Sicily and Malta, you also find strong traces of French and German folklore, brought by the Norman invaders. Due to Roman Catholic and Orthodox Christian presence in Southern Italy, ancient Deities were identified with Christian Saints. For instance, a feast of Demeter was once held in late July – this became married to the Catholic traditions of Lammas (August 1) and the Feast of Mary, Queen of Heaven (August 15) .

In America, with our multicultural/pluralistic society, different Italian cultures have blended (sometimes unwillingly) to find a common identity. The same can be said for the Craft traditions stemming from Italy and its Islands.

We also have begun to both complement and supplement our traditional Craft practices through contact with Traditional Wicca, Hellenismos, Religio Romana, and Afro-Diasporic Traditions (specifically, Santeria and Kardecian Spiritism) .

The Deities

Like most variants of Traditional Craft, our religious focus is on a Mother Goddess and a Father God. Opinions differ as to whether these are universal in appeal (“All Gods are one God and all Goddesses are one Goddess”) or if they are, more specifically, the Mother and Father of the Craft.

The most common name for the Mother Goddess is Diana, who reigns (in popular legends) as the Queen of Witches. The Father God is most generally revered as Apollo or Sol Invictus (the Unconquered Sun) .

Because of Roman Catholic overlays, it has become common to refer to these Divine Parents as “Our Lady” and “Our Lord”. (This historically allowed us to operate more or less openly, whilst carrying a different connotation amongst those in the know.)

We also honor our Ancestors.

In general, this takes the form of two cults (stemming from the Roman domestic cult) : the Lare and the Lasa.

The Lare are those spirits related to us by blood or, as more recently espoused, any spirit that originated as a human being.

The Lasa are more accurately the Spirits of Nature, inclusive of the Faery races, Angels, and Elemental Beings.

They are credited Ancestral status partly because they preceded humanity, but also because of legends saying that the first Witches were the result of human and Lasa marriages.

The Ancestral cult is practiced through a home shrine (popularly called a Lare Shrine or similar) , where offerings and prayers are made on a daily basis.

Special offerings are made as part of rites of passage and in petition. Offerings are also made outdoors to the Lasa and wild animals.

Additionally, each regional manifestation has its own particular emphasizes and local Deities.

Most will also honor Catholic Saints and Angels– this sometimes borders on ancestral worship (the Saints were humans after all) , or identification of the Saints with Deities, or simply as a carryover from Catholic folk magic.

The cults of the Black Virgin (La Madonna Nera) , Archangel Michael, and one’s Guardian Angel are especially popular.

Ritual Structure

Rituals vary wildly. Southern Italian Craft has a very folksy flavor. In general, our celebrations are more akin to the “kitchen witch” variety than to grand high Episcopagan pageantry.

In America, this is changing through influence of Wicca, Golden Dawn, and academic research into the ancient religious festivals of Greece and Rome. (Some have begun adopting and adapting either the Eight Sabbats or ancient Greek / Roman festivals for celebration within their respective Ways.)

Unlike Wicca and modern Paganism, we (historically) do not have formal Sabbats. Our Festivals were and are those of our region or town.

These range from celebrations of agriculture (Blossoming of the Almond in March, the Ember Days, First Fruits in late July/early August, et al.) to Saint Festivals (Michaelmas, All Souls, Epiphany, et al.) .

The most Sabbat-like events are our lunar rites – i.e. the Full Moon – that feature the baking of bread, storytelling, offerings, and singing/dancing.

Within some sects and families, there are noted shamanistic elements. On certain nights, members answer an astral summons and take part in the Wild Hunt with Diana at the lead. It is possible that this shamanic element has historical precedent.

In the Canon Escopi, the medieval Church makes mention of “Some wild women, deluded by Satan, believe that they fly by night in the company of Diana, Goddess of the Pagans.”

This is also related to the Benandanti, a 16th century cult centering on spirit-flight and the epic battle between Light and Dark that took place with the change of Seasons on the Solstices and Equinoxes.

Our tools are those of the home: scissors to cut away unwanted energies, keys to open/lock astral doors (and serve as a symbolic phallus) , thread to bind, brooms, pots and pans from our kitchen, and so on. The hearth is especially sacred to us, representing the connection between the Living and the Dead, and the presence of the Gods. This can be present as a flaming cauldron, as the stove, as the home’s fireplace, or as an unspoken feeling of Family. We also work with the tambourine – both as a means of manipulating energy and a way to converse with spirits (much like a Siberian shaman’s drum) .

Core Beliefs and Tenets

* Our ethical code is very simple, encompassed in three phrases: Honor, Respect for All, and Personal Responsibility. Though simple, they are bonds, holding our entire Craft together, and rivals the Japanese concepts of bushido. Loyalty, honesty, and integrity are obvious manifestations of this ethos.

* A noted focus on Family, both of blood and of spirit.

* Preserving our oral lore and mythic history while being adaptable and open to present needs, research, and current events. We are naturally syncretic, slowly evolving and growing, as opposed to an all-inclusive eclecticism.

* An implied matriarchal focus. The most active initiates have generally been women, as men would be the ones out in the fields, etc.

* Sexually, we are conservative. Whether gay or straight, we tend to celebrate monogamous relationships and partnerships.

* A belief that one’s magical power comes from the Heart. We identify this Heart with one’s Honor, and how one faces the trials and triumphs of life. 

* Value of secrecy in Craft practice, not so much because it is traditional (though it is) , but out of preference for preserving the beauty and integrity of what defines our ‘Family’ as Family. And those who would break this unspoken bond violate the principles popularized as Omerta.

* Ritual and magic as (part of) living life, not as a practice.

* Reincarnation takes place (generally) within the family, or within a group of kindred souls.

We identify the Summerland of modern Theosophical belief with ancient Sumer, expressing a hope to return to an ideal of life found in the Cradle of all Civilization.

Some, drawing from Greek lore, believe in a general afterlife (the House of Hades) , a paradise for Witches and Heroes (Elysium) , and a place of punishment for evil doers (Tartaros) .

* While most of us recognize some sort of cosmic law analogous to Eastern karma, we find ourselves more in agreeance with ancient concepts of Fate. Fate can be defined as the momentum of choice. In other words, for every choice we make and (in) action we take, there is a consequence.

If one threatens our loved ones, we will stop at nothing to insure that justice is served. In this, we agree with the ethos that “to allow evil an unhampered existence causes greater evil to occur, and those who allow this are just as guilty as perpetrators of the original wrongdoing.”

Organization

The core structure is the Family. The older family members rule as “heads of the family”. Outsiders may be brought in through what amounts to ritual adoption. The formal rites of elevation generally occur much later in life, as we believe life experience to be conducive to Priesthood. Recently, in America, some sects and factions have adopted elements of British Traditional Wicca, especially as regards to coven structure, as a way of teaching those outside the family structure. However, a central feature is that, before the Gods, all are equal. Ritual nudity is generally not practiced – partially owing to conservative Italian values, but also can be credited to more focus on family than on fertility.

On one hand, most Streghe will recognize and accept as colleagues those who dedicate themselves to the Gods and truly strive to live the Craft in their own way.

On the other, if you are claiming hereditary status, one must have gone through the necessary rites of passage to validate this claim. While each family is different, there are certain aspects (beliefs and practices) commonly held that serve as a fail-safe. By these we know those who are sincere from those who are outright frauds.

Closing Word of Thanks

This article could not have been written without the aid, input, and inspiration of numerous Elders, Teachers, Friends, and Priest/esses. Especially worthy of mention are: the Rev. Lori Bruno, pastor of Our Lady and our Lord of the Trinacrian Rose, who shared with me legends and lore, wisdom and compassion; Aradia, mi madre in la stregheria, who brought me to the Crossroads that i might persevere on my own; and all my aunts, uncles, cousins, in the great family of La Religione Vecchia di Italia.

May the Great Gods and Goddesses keep, uplift, and guard them, now and always.

Resources for Further Information

Web Resources (Annotated) :

www.trinacrianrose.org/ (Our Lady and Our Lord of the Trinacrian Rose Church – Old World Sicilian Craft blended with Continental Wiccan traditions. The pastor, Rev. Lori Bruno, is a hereditary Sicilian Strega-Maga, one hell of a good cook, and a tireless priestess in the service of Her Gods.)

www.webnik.com/coven/strega/strega.html (Wytches’ Hill and Befana’s Broom website, with general information on La Religione Vecchia) .

www.templeofdianainc.org (The Temple of Diana, INC., is based in MA, in strategic alliance with Trinacrian Rose, and has some lovely devotional material for Diana and Apollo) .

Book Resources (w/o Annotation) :

Bonefry, Yves. Roman and European Mythologies.
Burkett, Walter. Greek Religion.
Davidson, Gustav. Dictionary of Angels.
Davies, Morganna and Lynch, Aradia. Keepers of the Flame.
Elworthy, Thomas. The Evil Eye.
Frazer, Sir James. The Golden Bough.
Ginzburg, Carlo. Ecstasies – Deciphering the Witches’ Sabbath.
Ginzburg, Carlo. The Night Battles.
Gwynn. A Light in the Shadows - A Mythos of Modern Traditional Witchcraft.
Johnsons, Sarah Illes. Hekate Soteira.
Kerenyi, C. The Gods of the Greeks.
Kinsgley, Peter. In the Dark Places of Wisdom.
Leland, CG. Aradia: Gospel of the Witches.
Leland, CG. Etruscan Roman Remains.
Martello, Leo. Witchcraft: the Old Religion"

Source
http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.html?a=usma&c=trads&id=11544

THE ROOTS OF ITALIAN WITCHCRAFT

"Raven Grimassi
[Conversations arising from Raven's posts are included with the material to which they refer, but are indented to make them less intrusive.]

The Old Ways: The Spirit Flame

I would like to share some of the Old Hereditary Ways here, and invite others to post their techniques for Ritual or Magic, etc. I know many of you choose to believe that we Hereditary Witches do not exist, but that's O.K., you may still find this info of use (or at least of some interest). This first post is about what we call The Spirit Flame. In the Aridian Tradition, it is the focal point of the altar. A bowl is placed upon the center of the altar, and is filled with a special liquid, which will burn a blue flame. The appearance of the blue flame represents the presence of Divinity, within the ritual setting. The use of fire as a sacred symbol is one of the most ancient of practices.

If you wish to experience the Spirit Flame, you can perform the following, using any high quality perfume, or cologne. Strega Liquore is excellent, and contains all but one of the original ingredients (it is quite expensive, however). Place the bowl in the center of your altar (the bowl must be able to hold fire). Fill the bowl about half full. Set two altar candles, forward of the bowl, off to each side (you are forming a triangle; the bowl is the bottom point of an inverted triangle). Light the candles, and extinguish any other source of light. With a ritual tool such as a wand or blade, trace a crescent over the liquid, and say:

"In the name(s) of ____________
and by this sacred sign
be this the Essence of the Divine"
Then take a lit match and touch it, gently, to the surface of the liquid (do not use any liquid other than perfume or Liquor/ liquore). As you light the bowl say :

"I call upon Thee ___________________
be Thou present at this sacred place "
A beautiful blue flame will appear, and gently dance upon the surface of the liquid. We consider the flame to be sacred, and we use it to bless objects, empower tools, and create our ritual circles/sacred space. Feel free to experiment with it, but please treat it with respect. Allow the flame to go out by itself.

I have altered the wording, and omitted some of the gestures and invocations. You may insert the names of your own deities in the blank space. Even though altered, the technique here is sound, and should enrich whatever you may choose to do with the Spirit Flame.

This ritual has been preserved among the Hereditary Clans, and is still an aspect of all ritual gatherings. It is the oldest of our "laws" that nothing may be removed from the Teachings, so we still keep the Old Ways alive (we can add to our material, but we cannot remove anything). In Italy, Strega Liquore has been used as the Spirit Flame liquid, since it was first distilled in 1873. Originally the recipe was sold to the Alberti family, by some Strega (Italian for witch), with the exception of one certain ingredient. Before this, a liquid made from a mixture of distilled grape wine, and distilled grain, was the basis for the Spirit Flame liquid. It was quite similar to Brandy, which was first distilled around 100 AD

Scenes showing fermentation appear on pottery made in Mesopotamia as early as 4200 BC The earliest forms of Spirit Flame Liquid would have been a fermented substance, followed later by ones which were distilled. I am not at liberty to go into the individual ingredients, unfortunately. However, Strega Liquore is about as close as one can get without being initiated.

If the Spirit Flame was used outside of Italy, I am unaware of it. But I would be happy to know that others had this Tradition as well.

Don't laugh too hard at the following

Raven...I experimented with lighting the Strega in my bowl, in my case a cast-iron chili pot cum cauldron. It does WHOOSH, doesn't it?! (No, I didn't set myself on fire). And the blue is lovely...But everything got so hot that the Strega went into a rolling boil and essentially doused itself. IS this supposed to happen? I think I hear you laughing...SeraLuna

Dear SeraLuna, You can always pick out an Aridian, as they have no eyebrows, eyelashes, or hair!! <VBG> Seriously though, no it isn't supposed to do that. I suspect that you used too much Strega Liquore, and that the pot was too big. A Chili pot full of Strega would...well, it would do exactly what you described! I am glad that you're OK. Next time use only a small bowl, no larger than a cereal bowl, and only use about 2 or 3 oz. of liquid. Many Blessings, Raven

The Walnut Witches

In Italy, there is a legend of Witch gatherings in the town of Benevento, at the site of an old walnut tree. Manuscripts from old witch trials in Italy, speak of this tree which (it was said) had always been there, and was in leaf all year long. The nuts of this tree, were said to have been of pyramid-like form. Many of these walnuts were sold as talismans and amulets. The tree was so huge, and its branches so thick with leaves, that its shade was said to be like night itself. It was considered sacred to Proserpine, Nox, Diana, and all Cthonic deities. The walnut witches were said to have been a very powerful society of witches. It was through their dedication that the Old Religion survived intact, during the Inquisition (and afterwards). In 662 AD Romuald, Duke of Benevento, lived in Benevento and was said to have joined in these celebrations at the walnut tree. In Benevento there also lived a man named Barbato. He was a Christian, and later became a Bishop (eventually he was even sainted). Hard times befell Benevento, and the army of the Byzantine Emperor Constans II, was threatening to invade. Barbato went about the town blaming all the troubles of Benevento, on the witches and their religion. After corresponding with Constans, Barbato approached Romuald, and said that he (Barbato) would perform a miracle and save Benevento, if given authority to "cleanse" the town of its "heathen sins". In desperation, Romuald agreed, and sure enough Benevento was not conquered (but it was attacked).

Barbato had the Walnut tree cut down, and converted Romuald to Christianity. One story is told that Barbato had a church built upon the site of the old tree, and another that the tree was seeded in a different place, and still another that the tree grew again in the same spot.

Whatever the case, my mother says that a walnut tree still stands in Benevento, in the Stretto di Barba, near the river. Witches still gather there today in secret. Benevento has long been associated with Witchcraft, and was once the sanctuary of the followers of Aradia, in the 14th Century. In Charles Leland's book ETRUSCAN MAGIC & OCCULT REMEDIES there are several exaggerated (but fun) stories of the good witches of Benevento. Leland also states that the witches of Benevento were very well known for their healing, and for dispensing coins to the poor.

A last note of interest, Strega Liquor is made in Benevento (and has been for quite awhile). If you can find a bottle, check out the label. You'll find a picture of witches and satyrs dancing beneath a tree (walnut I assume <G>).

The Watchers

In the early stellar cults, there were four "royal" stars (known as lords) which were called the Watchers. Each one of these stars "ruled" over one of the four cardinal points. The star Aldebaran, when it marked the Vernal Equinox, held the position of Watcher of the East. Regulus, marking the Summer Solstice, was Watcher of the south. Antares, marking the Autumn Equinox, was the Watcher of the west. Fomalhaut, marking the Winter Solstice, was Watcher of the north. Towers were constructed, bearing the symbols of these Watchers, for the purpose of evocation. During the "rites of calling" symbolic gestures were given and the names of the Watchers were called out. In the stellar mythos, the Watchers themselves were deities who guard the Heavens and the Earth. Their nature (and "rank") was altered by the successive Lunar and Solar cults, which replaced the Stellar Cults. Eventually the Greeks reduced them to Gods of the four winds, and the Christians made them principalities of the air. Their connection with the stars was vaguely preserved among the populace, in the concept of Angels.

In the Italian system, these ancient Beings are called the Grigori. They are the Guardians of the "doorways" between the physical plane and that which is beyond. In Italian witchlore, the stars were thought to be the campfires of the legions of the Watchers (there were other stellar associations as well). In the 16th Century, the French theologian Sinistrari spoke of Beings existing between "men and angels". He called them demons, and associated them with the Elemental natures of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. This, however, was not a new concept, but was taught by certain Gnostic sects in the early days of Christianity. In the Old Testament (Daniel 4: 13-17) there is reference to the Irin, or Watcher, which appear to be an order of angels. In his book DICTIONARY OF ANGELS, Gustav Davidson lists the Watchers as a high order of angels, known also as the Grigori. In Rabbinic lore, the "good" Watchers dwell in the 5th Heaven, and the "evil" Watchers dwell in the 3rd.

In Aridian lore, the Watchers guard our circle and watch over us. They assist us in our spiritual growth, and "escort" us to the next realm, when we cross from physical life. We acknowledge them as Guardians of the entrances and exists, to and from the worlds which connect with the physical plane. We also know them as the Keepers of the Ancient Wisdom, and guardians of the Art. They are Clan Guardian spirits, known as The Old Ones. They are also pre-Christian and pre-Gardnerian.

The Lare

In the Old Religion of Italy there are certain spirits called the Lare (pronounced Lar-ray), who are both protectors and preservers. In Roman mythology, they were house spirits/family spirits. Upon the home's hearth, a small Lare "house" (or chapel) was placed. Each one had a receptacle for offerings, which consisted of wine, honey, milk and flowers (or grain). The focal point of a Family is their home, and in olden times the focal point of the home was the hearth (the Latin word "focus", means hearth). The hearth held the fire which provided heat, and served to cook the meals. A prayer was said to the Lare every morning, and special offerings were made at family celebrations.

These spirits were originally gods of the cultivated fields and were worshipped at the crossroads. In early Etruscan times, they were called Lasa. In Tuscany today, the word lasa refers to spirits. The Lare cult maintains a strong family connection, and is largely responsible for the existence of hereditary Italian witch families. Generation after generation has remembered and honored the previous ones, passing on the ancient traditions of the Old Religion. This is why we can trace our heritage back, and recall the family lines. Today, Aridians still place a Lare house in their home, and give offerings. At birthdays, candles are lit on the shrine for the family member, and also when they die. At certain seasonal rites, the family names are recalled, back down the family lines. Stories are retold and so on. It is really quite beautiful, and very primitive. It is our culture and our heritage which binds us together. Sadly, this is something which modern culture does not really understand, or appreciate.

FROM: TONY MARCANO
It should also be noted that the prayers said at the lararium differed on the kalends, nones, and ides. Also, the lares were worshipped along with the penates, Vesta, and the genius (pronounced ghen-yoos). Roman traditions accepted/tolerated many gods, which allowed for the inclusion of a "wiccan" pantheon but very often these were very different traditions shared within the same household. The MTR (traditional Romans) in Italy as a tradition/organization does not embrace stregeria (although some of them may also be practicing witches) but rather view themselves as Roman Pagans, members of the collegium and curia, and in some cases flamines.
FROM: RAVEN GRIMASSI
Please understand that I am not talking about Roman Religion here. I am talking about my Tradition, which has its roots in ancient Italy. Our people lived under Roman rule perhaps, but did not follow the classic Roman Religion. We are Strega and are different from classic Roman Tradition. I am not leaving things out here, I'm speaking of the Ways of my Clan. Certainly there were other things going on in Italy concurrently with us (but different from us). Thanks for adding your knowledge to this post, but I simply wish to keep things clear (and not to contradict you).

Diana & Rex Nemorensis

There is a very interesting myth about the worship of Diana, which I would like to share here. Long ago, in the Alban hills, there came a runaway slave who was favored by the Goddess Diana. Because She had freed him, he desired to worship Her, and She gave him sanctuary. One day Diana appeared to him beneath a large tree which stood in the center of a clearing, within a large grove. Then just after sunset She proclaimed Her love for him, but at the same time demanded that he prove himself worthy of Her favors. So Diana brought before him a mighty warrior, who was Guardian of the Grove. Then She told the runaway slave to challenge the Guardian. But the Guardian would not accept the challenge, unless the former slave could prove his strength and courage. So the runaway climbed the great tree, and broke off a large branch with his hands. The branch was so strong that no ordinary man could break it. So the Guardian accepted the challenge, and the two battled for the favor of Diana. The Guardian was defeated and met his end at the hands of the runaway slave. Then Diana touched his shoulders, placed a wreath upon his head, and said "Thou art Rex Nemorensis (King of the Woods)". This is one of the mystery texts, and deals with parts of our inner self. Look at the characters in the Myth as yourself, and at Diana as Enlightenment.

Now, back to the note. In central Italy lies the lake once known as Lacus Nemorensis. This lake was also known as the Speculum Dianae (Mirror of Diana). Here on the northeast shore of this ancient lake, once stood the temple of Diana. Here too was the sacred grove of Diana. In ancient times the followers of Diana gathered at the Temple to give worship, and to be healed by the water, which was said to flow into a pool within the Temple. At Nemi, in the Alban Hills, Diana was worshipped in many forms. At the new moon She was the chaste Huntress and the crescent moon was her bow. In this aspect She was seen as the eternal virgin, free from the need for men. At the time of the full moon, Diana was the Enchantress, the Queen of Magic. At the dark of the moon Diana was vengeful, secretive, and somewhat dangerous. As the chaste, Her name was pronounced Dye-anna. As the Queen it was pronounced Dea-nah, and at dark of moon it was pronounced Dee-anna. These are essentially the same aspects commonly referred to as Maiden, Mother, Crone.

Another term for Rex Nemorensis, was the Hooded One. It is interesting, because a cult formed in the Groves of Nemi around this theme, and was comprised of outlaws and runaway slaves from Rome.

There is a similarity between this mythos, and the Robin Hood legend. Especially when you consider that runaway slaves and outlaws from Rome gathered in the forests of Nemi. The Hooded One was a title for the representative of the God (usually referred to as Kern). This person was the cult leader, and held the title of either the Hooded One, or Rex Nemorensis. The major difference probably lies in the fact that the Hooded One could be either a male or a female. But Rex Nemorensis was always a male. Legend says that the Hood helped to conceal the gender. The outlaws of the Forest in Nemi were more of a religious cult, and lived more off than the land, than off the rich (although an occasional ambush here or there was not out of the question).

Diana And Dianus

The most common names found associated with The Old Religion, in Italy, are Diana & Dianus. Dianus is the nature god, associated with the woods, herds, fertility, and so on. He was present in the rites of Diana at the sacred grove of Nemi. He is also known as verbius, and is linked to the title Rex Nemorensis. Oaks were sacred to Dianus, which were present in the groves at Nemi. It seems likely that, in time, he was also associated with the god Janus. Janus was a god of doorways/portals (and of beginnings in general). In this aspect, Janus was a guardian who kept non-initiates away from the Mystery Traditions. He carried a whip and a rod, which could usher in, or drive away. Dianus, as the guardian Rex Nemorensis, is easily linked to Janus, in this aspect. In the Aridian Tradition, Diana and Dianus would be two parts of the Divine One Great Spirit. Usually, Dianus is visualized as a stag god, or a man with antlers. He can also be associated with the forest god, known as Kern (no, Kern, not Herne...different land, similar story).

Dianus is the consort of Diana, even in Her chaste aspect. Here they are more like brother and sister. In other aspects they are lovers, and so on. Historical references to the cult of Diana and Dianus (other than Classical Age) appear as early as the 4th Century AD

Jana is one of the names we Aridians use for the Goddess (the others are Tana & Fana). The Goddess Jana is the Moon Goddess of the Janarric Clan. In Naples, the term Janarra was once used as the word for witch (instead of Strega). The Janarra are the keepers of the Lunar mysteries, in the Triad Traditions. Sometimes they are called the Sea Witches, because they once practiced along the coastal regions, and near the Bay of Naples.

In Italy there are three Clans, known as the Triad. The first is called the Fanarra, second is the Janarra, and third is the Tanarra. The Fanarra are the "keepers of the earth mysteries", the Janarra are "keepers of the Lunar mysteries", and the Tanarra are the "keepers of the stellar mysteries". Originally they were one Clan, comprised of the covens which Aradia had established in the 14th Century. When the Inquisition began murdering witches, the Clan split up into their respective mystery traditions, in order to preserve at least one of the old Mystery Teachings. As the Fates would have it, however, all three survived. The Aridian Tradition is a rejoining of the three, back into the original state (as practiced in the time of Aradia). Each leader of a Clan, has a working knowledge of the two other Clans. Each Clan has a different aspect of Deity, for their Focus.

Fanus is the basic earth connection of the God. He is lord of the mysteries of the earth. He is primal, and one of the first awakenings of Divine Consciousness (in the Physical Plane). Janus is the awakening of the Divine Consciousness to the Solar System (if you will). He is the connection to the Sun and other planetary influences. Tanus is the awakening of Divine Consciousness to the Universe. He is the connection to higher Divinity, to the Source of All Things. So, actually they are the same Deity, but seen in various aspects (more properly, they are symbols of the stages through which Human Understanding has marked its contact with Divinity). Dianus is Fanus in a higher aspect. Fanus is more like Pan, while Dianus is more like Kern (stag horned god of the forests of Nemi). The double faces of Janus symbolize (among other things) the stage of a God who is between its base earth aspect, and its higher Divine aspect. These gods may also be thought of as the stages of Child, Adolescent, and Adult (although I would never say that to their face...nor neither face of Janus). Another illustration might help: Fanus is seen with animal horns, while Janus is seen wearing a crown, and Tanus is visualized with a blue flame forming a sort of "halo" around his head. Thus, you have the Nature made (horns), Human made (crown), and Divine made (light) concepts of Deity.

Just a bit of an extension from my first reply (and a bit less emotional I hope). Frazer was not presenting a "Tradition" or a "System". He was simply speaking of the ancient practices and concepts of The Old Religion (and other things as well). You asked about our differences and likenesses. We share the common knowledge of Diana at Nemi, and some aspects of Her cult there. Rex Nemorensis is simply another aspect of what was once practiced at Nemi. In my Tradition there is no office of this title, and his legend is only one of the Mystery Teaching concepts, which we have retained over time. Legend says that Aradia (the Holy Strega) established a camp in the ruins of Diana's Temple, there at Nemi. I suppose that might be considered a connection somehow. Actually, Aradia was a Tuscan Witch and taught the Old Religion as a whole (not simply as practiced at Nemi). Frazer doesn't go into much depth concerning the Witch Cult in Italy, so I don't know what else to compare it to. I am NOT giving a history of my Tradition here, but my Tradition is a part of what I am posting.

In Leland's book, Aradia is the Daughter of Diana & Lucifer. In the mythos of the Aridian Tradition, Aradia is quite human (and is not the actual "daughter" of Diana). Now, Diana does have three aspects, just as Dianus has. She is Fana, Jana, and Tana just as he is Fanus, Janus, and Tanus. How this all came about, goes back to the Coven which Aradia had founded in the 14th Century . In time as this coven divided and established other covens, the Inquisition arose (by the way, in Italian the word for coven is boschetto - pronounced boss-kett-oh - and means a grove). Hoping to keep the mysteries alive, they established three Clans. Each Clan was a "Keeper" of one of the mystery traditions. These were the Earth, Lunar, and Stellar Mysteries. Each Clan then named the Deities in accordance with their mystery system. That is how Diana and Dianus came to be known by these many names. It is customary in some Traditions/Systems to have an "inner court" name for the God & Goddess. A name not known to any non-initiates. So, some groups will chose (or create) a secret name, which only they will use when addressing Deity.

For those who both believe, and do not believe, in the antiquity/survival of The Old Religion, I offer the following: In 30 BC, the Roman Poet Horace wrote his work called the Epodes of Horace. In part, they deal with a dialogue between he and an Italian witch named Canidia. In Epode 5, he associates Diana & Proserpina with witches in a mystery Cult. In Epode 17, he names these goddesses as patron goddesses of Witchcraft, and states that witches use a book called Libros Carminum, by which they "call down the moon" and make philtres and evoke spirits. Other Roman writers of the period, support this basic theme in their writings (such as Lucan and Ovid). From this we can conclude, that the association of witches with Diana, was generally accepted in Italy (circa 30 BC). Bear in mind that this is being written about in pre-Christian times, and not in the 1950's of Gerald Gardner. In note titled "The Society of Diana", I will show that this cult continued on (in Historical documentation) through the 19th Century.

EPODE 5 : "...Night and Diana, who command silence when secret mysteries are performed, now aid me: now turn your vengeance and influence against my enemies' house..."

EPODE 17: (to canidia) "Now already I yield to your mighty art, and suppliant beseech you by the realms of Proserpine, and by the powers of Diana, not to be provoked, and by your books of enchantments that are able to call down the fixed stars from heaven, Canidia, at length spare your magic words, and turn backward your swift wheel..."

(Canidia replies)

"...must I, who can move waxen images and call down the moon from the sky by my spells, who can raise the vaporous dead, and mix a draught of love lament the effect of my art, availing nothing upon you ?"

The Society Of Diana

The historical documentation which I present here, is drawn from the research notes and books of, Professor Carlo Ginzburg (Professor of Italian Renaissance Studies at Univ. of California in Los Angeles), Professor Ernesto de Martino (Prof. of the History of Religions at Cagliari Univ., Italy), Professor Cardini (Prof. of History at the Univ. of Florence), and Julio Baroja (Anthropologist)

In his book, The World of Witches, Julio Baroja writes of southern Europe "There seems to have been a flourishing cult of Diana among European country people in the 5th & 6th Centuries, and she was generally looked upon as a Goddess of the woods and fields, except by those trying to root out the cult, who thought she was a devil". In the authors notes, for chapter 4, he adds that the cult also worshipped a male deity called Dianum. In 906 AD, Regino of Prum wrote in his instructions to the Bishops of the Kingdoms of Italy, concerning this cult. Here he states "...they ride at night on certain beasts with Diana, goddess of the pagans, and a great multitude of women, that they cover great distances in the silence of the deepest night, that they obey the orders of the goddess...by speaking of their visions (they) gain new followers for the Society of Diana..."

The following Chronology will demonstrate the continuation of this "Society of Diana" up through the centuries to modern times.

1006 AD: 19th book of the Decretum (entitled Corrector) associates the worship of Diana with the common pagan folk.
1280 AD: Diocesan Council of Conserans associates the Witch Cult with the worship of a Pagan Goddess
1310 AD: Council of Trier associates witches with the goddess Diana (and Herodias)
1313 AD: Giovanni de Matociis writes in his Historiae Imperiales, that many lay people believe in a nocturnal society headed by a queen they call Diana
1390 AD: A woman was tried by the Milanese Inquisition for belonging to the "Society of Diana", she confessed to worshipping the "goddess of Night" and stated that "Diana" bestowed blessings on her
1457 AD: 3 women tried in Bressanone, confess that they belonged to the "Society of Diana" (as recorded by Nicholas of Cusa).
1526 AD: Judge Paulus Grillandus writes of witches in the town of Benevento who worship a goddess at the site of an old walnut tree.
1576 AD: Bartolo Spina writes in his Quaestico de Strigibus. listing info gathered from confessions, that witches gather at night to worship "Diana", and have dealings with night spirits.
1647 AD: Peter Pipernus writes in his De Nuce Maga Beneventana & De Effectibus Magicis, of a women named Violanta who confessed to worshipping Diana at the site of an old walnut tree in the town of Benevento.
1749 AD: Girolamo Tartarotti associates the Witch Cult with the ancient cult of Diana, in his book Del Congresso Nottorno Delle Lammie.
1890 AD: Author Charles Leland associates the Witch Cult with the goddess Diana, as a survival of the ancient ways, in his book Etruscan Magic & Occult Remedies.
1894 AD: Lady Vere de Vere, after investigating witchcraft as it then existed in the Italian Tyrol region, wrote an article in La Rivista of Rome (June 1894) stating that "...the Community of Italian Witches is regulated by laws, traditions, and customs of the most secret kind, possessing special recipes for sorcery."
1895 AD: Professor Milani (Etruscan Scholar & Director of Archaeological Museum in Florence) states that various elements of ancient Etruscan occultism have been "marvelously preserved" in the "Italian Witch Tradition." Professor Milani was familiar with the works of both Lady Vere de Vere and Charles Leland.
This theme continues through various authors (T.C. Lethbridge, Carlo Ginzburg, Doreen Valiente) into the 1900's and current era. Books written since 1950's are common enough and probably do not need listing here.

Source material for Chronology:

Ecstasies-deciphering the witches Sabbath
Night Battles-witchcraft and agrarian cults (by Ginzburg)
Etruscan Magic & Occult Remedies, Legends of Florence,
Aradia; gospel of the witches (by Charles Leland).
The World of Witches, by Julio Baroja.
A Prayer To Diana

" Great Diana, Goddess, hear my words of adoration. Hear my voice when I speak your praises. Hear my chanting as it rises upon the smoke of the incense I offer you. See me when I reach up to you; when the Full Moon shines upon me give me your blessings. Oh Diana, teach me your ancient mysteries, ancient rites of invocation which the Holy Strega spoke of, for I believe the Strega's story: when she spoke of your shining glory, when she told us to entreat you, told us when we seek for Knowledge to seek and find you above all others. Give me wisdom, Diana, and bind my oppressors. Grant me the Ancient Knowledge, and speak to my inner spirit, teaching me all the Holy Mysteries. I believe your ancient promise, the promise to all the ancient Clan, that we who seek your Holy Presence will receive of your Wisdom. Diana, think yet even for a moment, upon one who calls upon your name".

I have always loved this old prayer. Once saw a very similar version of it in a book called The Grimoire of Lady Sheba. Always wondered where she came by it. Her version is more poetic, and has all the nice "Thee" and "Thou" stuff. I like both versions, because of the mention of The Holy Strega (but I am partial to my Family one).

FROM: HELEN TYLER
My compliments & thanks to you for your posts on the Old Ways, Raven. I am a Solitary practitioner of the Hereditary/Traditional Way & started on the Path in the 30's at my Grandmother's knee (turned 66 last week & am still on the Path - learning more & more every day!). Since you mentioned Lady Sheba's Prayer in your post, thought everyone might like to see it. She does not mention her source, then again, she does not give the source on many of her writings.
Prayer to Diana
O My Goddess, Diana, hear my song of adoration. Hear my voice when I sing Thy praises. Hear my songs as they rise heavenward, when the Full Moon, brightly shining, fills the heavens with Thy beauty. O my beautiful Moon Goddess, hear me as I stand before Thee. See me when I reach toward heaven, when my arms reach upward toward Thee. When the Full Moon shines upon me, give me Thy blessings, O Diana. Teach me of Thine ancient mysteries, ancient rites of invocation that the Holy Strega spoke of, for I believe the Strega's story: when she spoke of Thy shining glory, when she told us to entreat Thee, told us when we seek for knowledge to seek and find Thee above all others. Give us wisdom, O Diana: how to bind our oppressors, how to cure the sick among us. Teach me, O Diana. Give me Thy blessings, O Great Moon Goddess. Shield me from my oppressors. Receive me as your daughter, Diana. Receive me, though I am earth-bound. Grant me ancient Wiccan knowledge. When my body lies resting nightly, speak unto my inner spirit; teach me all Thy holy mysteries. I believe Thine ancient promise, Thy promise unto the ancient Wicca that we who seek Thy holy presence will receive Thy Wisdom. Now the Full Moon shines upon me. Hear me! I stand before Thee! Grant me wisdom! O Diana! Shield me from my oppressors! Teach me Thine holy mysteries! I sing Thy praises unto the heavens. Let Thy glory shine about me. Bless us, O gracious Queen of Heaven. Descend Thou among us; Descend and conquer, Gracious Goddess.
Taken from The Witches Workbook: The Magick Grimoire of Lady Sheba, by Jessie Wicker Bell, pub. Kensington Pub. Co., 1975
The Legend Of Aradia

In 1508 AD the Italian Inquisitor Bernardo Rategno (having studied witch trial records preserved in the archives of the Inquisition at Como) wrote a text called the Tractatus de Strigibus. In this text he states that the " witches sect" had begun to expand 150 years earlier. This would place the "expansion" about 1350 (14th Century Italy). What caused this to happen ? Well, the answer may be found in the old legend called The Legend of the Beautiful Pilgrim. This legend can be found in author Charles Leland's notes for his book: Aradia, gospel of the witches.

According to this story, there once was a young woman from the town of Volterra who "traveled far and wide, teaching and preaching the religion of old times, the religion of Diana, the Queen of the Fairies and of the Moon, the Goddess of the poor and the oppressed". Leland goes on to say "And the fame of her wisdom and beauty went forth over all the land, and people worshipped her, calling her La Bella Pellegrina (the Beautiful Pilgrim). In the Aridian Tradition we refer to Aradia as The Holy Strega (pronounced Stray-gah, meaning witch) and we honor her memory. We do not worship her.

According to our teachings, Aradia formed covens (called groves) in central Italy during the 14th Century. She taught the Old Religion of Nature, and of Magic, but above all she taught a Spirituality. Beyond this she gave hope to peasants whose lives were made miserable, in service to the wealthy class. She taught them personal power, and personal value, in an Age when the Church taught shame and sin, and servitude. Aradia returned their beautiful pagan heritage to them, a heritage which was preserved in secret by courageous Priests and Priestesses of The Old Religion. Aradia taught harmony with Nature, and directed her followers to merge with Nature through seasonal rites, and ritual observation of the Full Moon (times of planetary power).

Charles Leland's version of Aradia, is not the original version. It has little to do with the Aradia I have addressed here. His work is a Christianized view of Aradia, and does not reflect the beliefs, or practices, of Hereditary Italian Witches. So, if you chose to read his book, bear in mind that he and I are NOT speaking of the same Aradia. His account of the Legend given here, is the only thing I can agree with in his book. The rest of his book does not show Aradia in a positive light.

The Gifts Of Aradia

In the 14th Century, Aradia taught that certain powers could be obtained through following The Old Religion. Aradia called them "gifts" because she stressed that these powers were side benefits of adhering to the Old Ways, and not the reason for becoming a witch. These gifts are commonly referred to, today, as the traditional powers of Witchcraft.

To bring success in matters of love
To bless and consecrate
To speak with spirits
To know of Hidden Things
To call forth spirits
To know Secret Signs
To possess the Knowledge of changing forms
To possess the Knowledge of Divination
To know secret signs
To cure disease
To bring forth beauty
To have influence over wild beasts
To know the secrets of the hands
Aradia taught that a witch must observe the Seasonal Rites and the time of the Full Moon, in order to keep these powers.

The Beautiful Pilgrim

In 1508 AD, the Italian Inquisitor Bernardo Rategno (having studied witch trial records preserved in the archives of the Inquisition at Como) wrote a text called the Tractatus de Strigibus. In this text he states that the "witches sect" had begun to expand rapidly 150 years earlier. This would place the "expansion" in the mid 1300's. What caused this to happen ? The answer may lay hidden in the Legend of La Bella Pellegrina (the beautiful Pilgrim). This legend appears in Charles Leland's research material (1887), and was even then considered a very old legend. According to this story, there was a young woman from the town of Volterra, who "traveled far and wide, teaching and preaching the religion of old times, the religion of Diana, the Queen of the Fairies and of the Moon, Goddess of the poor and the oppressed". Leland goes on to say "and the fame of her wisdom and beauty went forth over all the land, and people worshipped her, calling her The Beautiful Pilgrim". This legend appears in his book ARADIA, GOSPEL OF THE WITCHES. The book itself is not really very good, but does contain some interesting bits of Lore. In my Tradition we do have the legend of Aradia, but she differs from the Aradia presented in Leland's book (not from this legend, but from his portrayal of her character). In my Tradition, Aradia was a great teacher who brought about a "revival" of The Old Religion, in 14th Century Italy. We honor her memory, but we do not worship her. We call her The Holy Strega . Strega (pronounced stray-gah) is the Italian word for Witch. Aradia taught that certain "powers" would be gained through the practice of The Old Religion, if one was truly dedicated. These are the "traditional" powers of which she spoke:

To bring success 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 changing forms
to possess the knowledge of divination
to know secret signs
to cure disease
to bring forth beauty
to have influence over wild beasts
to know the secrets of the hand
In my tradition it is that taught we are descended from those covens which Aradia established in the 14th Century.

Celebrations Of The Year

In Italy, witches do not use the word Sabbat for their seasonal rites. The Italian word is Treguenda (pronounced tray-gwen-dah) and is similar in meaning to Sabbat. Webster's dictionary lists Sabbat as old French for Sabbath (old English as well). The word Sabbatical is shown to mean "of or suited to the Sabbath" and "a period of rest that occurs in regular cycles". The word Treguenda has as its root the word Tregua, which means "a respite, or a truce". It is interesting to note that "Tregua" (tray-gwah) is also slang for the Full Moon Ceremony. The actual word for the Full Moon Ceremony is Veglione (pronounced Vay-yoe-nay), and literally means to dance all night. Veglione is also the name of a popular folk dance in Italy.

In early times the followers of The Old Religion were farmers and craftsmen. Their lives were largely spent in toil. Their Religion provided times in which they could set aside their work, and enjoy a social and spiritual celebration. These Festivals were indeed "respites" or "periods of rest occurring in regular cycles".

In The Aridian Tradition there are 8 Treguendas, four major and four minor. The major rites occur in October, February, May and August. These are the Spiritual Festivals which are considered of greater importance. The minor festivals occur on the Spring & Autumn Equinox, and on the Summer & Winter Solstice. These are the Earth Festivals, and are seasonal/agricultural in nature. The Mythos of the Old Religion runs through each of these Celebrations. They are named as follows:

Shadowfest (La Festa dell' Ombra)
Winter Solstice (La Festa dell' Inverno)
Lupercus (Festa di Lupercus)
Spring Equinox (Equinozio della Primavera)
Tana's Day (La giornata di Tana)
Summer Solstice (La Festa dell' Estate)
Cornucopia (La Festa di Cornucopia)
Autumn Equinox (Equinozio di Autunno)
A common term for the 8 rites is the "Wheel". It is thought of as a Spinning-wheel, turning and weaving the patterns of Life. On the physical level it is symbolic of the changing seasons. On the spiritual level it is symbolic of the "seasons of the soul". The Mythos which is an integral part of each rite, symbolizes the Journey of the Soul through a variety of Existences. In the Mystery Teachings of the Wheel, we discover that we are the characters in the Myth. Everything is symbolic within each myth, and represents various aspects of the encounters facing a soul as it passes from life to life. Through a study of the Mythos, and routine participation in each Treguenda, one can gain spiritual enlightenment.

The mythos within the Full Moon Ceremony, weaves its way through each Treguenda, and completes the spiritual vision. It is interesting to note that the ancient teachings connect the light of the Moon, to passages and reincarnations of the Soul.

FROM: MINNIE BAXTER
Merry Meet Raven, To make sure we are talking or thinking about the same thing let me give you some information:
Aradia (Strega Witch) was born in Volterra, Italy, on August 13, 1313. In her early teens (10-12 yrs.) she moved with her parents to the Alban hills near the lake now known as Nemi. This region not far from Rome. She experienced something in the unexplained area, a mystery to herself. This was the beginning of her promoting the old religion that was taught to her by her aunt.
On the subject of her "mystery". A voice using telepathy spoke to her telling her to look upwards. She gazed upwards and saw the skies began to darken (for there was a Moon Shadow) and she understood. This changed how she perceived life. Is this the clan of people you are saying is your relatives? If so lets talk about "The Moon Shadow" she saw in the sky. Are you Raven under the direction of the council of the Third Clan?
FROM: RAVEN GRIMASSI
The titles of the books which I have written are: (listed only because someone asked)

The Book of Ways (Volumes 1 & 2) 1981 & 1982
The Book of the Holy Strega 1981
The Teachings of the Holy Strega (1991 reprint, new Intro)
Whispers, teachings of the Old Religion of Italy 1991
I have also just completed a booklet titled : The Aridian System, an introduction to Italian Witchcraft.

These are the only books available at this time, on the Aridian Tradition. I am currently writing a book of rituals and magic, which I will be submitting to a couple of Publishers soon.

We use some Latin, as preserved from the earlier material. Most of the invocations are done in Italian, but we speak English for the majority of the ritual gathering. We also have another language from the oldest material, it does not have a name, but we refer to it as "the tongue of the Moon". Most likely related to ancient Etruscan, and may have a connection to Enochian as well. It only appears in a few of the old rituals. Mine is the only book in the Family which contains English (My mothers was mostly Italian, Latin and Tongue of the Moon).

You asked about having to be of Italian blood, to best work this System. I do not require it, but the old family members do have a hang-up about "being of the blood". I have initiated many non-Italians, and they do quite well in the System. I think that magically speaking, practicing a System to which you have genetic roots, does bring about a stronger current response. But that is simply my experience, and may not be true for everyone. So my answer is no, you do not need to be Italian in the Aridian System.

Also forgot to reply to your question about being related to those early clans. The answer is yes (at least that's what the family lore has to say). I come from a very old line of witches in the Naples area of Italy. We trace our Tradition back to the 14th Century where it connects with the Alban Hills region of Nemi (being descended from those covens which The Holy Strega founded at that time). She, herself, was a Tuscan witch and taught her Tradition which went back to pre-Christian times. So, in that respect, I say that my ancestors invented the worship of Diana at Nemi.

Yes, my friend, I am the Raven to whom you refer. You have obviously read (or heard of) one of my books. Perhaps you have read "The Book of the Holy Strega", or "The teachings of the Holy Strega".

You asked about the "Moon Shadow" mentioned in my book. Well, there are two opinions of what may have happened there. One is that a Solar eclipse had taken place, another that something of an inner experience had manifested. No one in any of the Triad Clans can say for sure. Whatever happened, Aradia took it as a divine sign for the mission she then undertook. Hereditary witches (at least of my family line in Italy) have kept a written book. Many Hereditary Clans were connected to Nobility during the Middle Ages. This gave them not only sanctuary, but education in reading and writing. Many Italian Courts of Royalty kept astrologers and local wisemen/ wisewomen. The persecution of witches in Italy began about 100 years later than anywhere else in Europe, and was almost entirely focused on organized group practices. The local village witch was usually tolerated because of his/her healing abilities, and so forth. My family line goes back five generations to the Tavani Family, who were Nobility of the Kingdom of Naples. According to our Elders, early witches kept a runic script on animal hide. In time this evolved to parchment, and so on. The runic script still survives, but has been replaced by the common Arabic alphabet (at least in the case of non-magical info).

Sea Spells

Witches have long used the powers and forces within the sea, for the purpose of magic. The Sea is so deeply connected to the cycles of the Moon, that the aspect of Sea Magic cannot be overlooked. Janarric witches, in the central coastal region of Italy, long ago devised a system of symbols which they used in the casting of spells. These symbols were placed upon sea shells, in a circular manner around the edge of the shell. The shell was then set near the water, at the appropriate Tide (lunar phase), so that the Sea Powers would receive the spell, and grant it success.

Many times, offerings were left upon the shore, for the deities, to invoke Their favor. These offerings included white flowers, pearls, white pebbles, etc. I cannot reproduce the old symbols here, but any symbolic symbol which reflects your wish should work:

The Spell of the Shell

To perform this spell, you must find a suitable shell in shallow water. Take the shell and dry it thoroughly. Next, place a symbol of your desire upon the surface of the shell. The symbol must be made with a substance which will easily wash off in water. Then, place the shell upon the shore, so that the Tide will bring waves across the shell. Take care to note the phase of the Moon (waxing moon for the gain of something, waning for the dissolving of something). When the shell is in place, draw a triangle in the sand, enclosing the shell completely. The symbol upon the shell must be facing upwards (toward the Moon). Meaningful words, or phrases, may be placed upon the shell also, or simply written in the sand (inside the triangle).

Finally, give the words of enchantment: (toward the moon)
"Goddess of Moon, Earth, and the Sea,
each wish in Thy name must come to be.
Powers and Forces which Tides do make,
now summon Thy waves, my spell to take "

Source and Full Article
http://www.paganlibrary.com/reference/on_hereditary_italian_witchcraft.php

THE ROOTS OF ITALIAN WITCHCRAFT

"
The origins of Italian Witchcraft go deeply into the past of the pre-Christian era.  

The earliest forms were no doubt rooted in primitive ideas about magic and spirit beings.  But over time the concepts comprising Italian Witchcraft evolved.

As elements of foreign beliefs in magic were absorbed in Italy, indigenous beliefs were influenced by them over time.  This did not eradicate the old traditions or replace them, but almost certainly changes various elements were integrated.

In the ancient literature of Greece and Italy we find the witch as a person who calls upon the primal forces of Nature as well as upon such goddesses as Hecate, Diana and Proserpina.

One example is found in the tale of Medea, where she speaks an evocation:

"Diana, who commands silence when secret mysteries are performed, I invoke you.

Night, faithful keeper of my secrets, and stars who, together with the moon, follow on from the fires of the daylight, I invoke you.

 Hecate of the three faces, who knows all my designs, and comes to help the incantations and the craft of the witches, I invoke you.

 Earth, who furnishes witches with powerful herbs, and you Breezes, Winds, Mountains, Rivers, and Lakes, and all the gods of the groves and all the gods of the night, be present to help me.

 Proserpina, night-wandering queen, I invoke you.

 Hecate, Diana, Proserpina, look kindly now upon this undertaking.”

The idea that inanimate objects possess consciousness and power (and can be called upon for aid) is extremely ancient.

It is certain that primitive beliefs and practices were preserved among rustic people in rural areas, and in this light we can say that witchcraft is a peasant tradition as opposed to the learned class of educated city dwellers.

However, that being said, this is not meant to exclude the involvement of the learned class in the practice of witchcraft.

In my own lineage, I am reportedly descended from a witch named Calenda Tavani (sometimes called Caliente Tavani) and the Tavani were, at one time, nobles in the area of Naples (Tavani is a variant spelling of the more common family name, Tavano).  

But was Calenda a witch because of her family lineage, or was she a witch who happened to be of noble blood lines?

We know historically that noble families hired Court magicians, astrologers and the like.  They also purchased Occult manuscripts and paid for them to be translated.

Because noble families were clearly drawing upon outside sources, this strongly indicates that Noble families were not practicing bloodline traditions of their own but were collecting information to integrate into their developing practices.

In recent times the claim has been made that a  Pagan tradition was preserved and transmitted exclusively along family lines of Italian nobility, but this is, of course, highly unlikely.

Instead, what is likely is that eclectic practices were passed along in one form or another, but that such systems themselves can be no older than the Middle Ages (and therefore not a pre-Christian tradition).

We cannot dismiss the importance of Noble families that did creatively ensure the survival of the Occult Arts in one form or another.  One example is the Visconti family, which helped popularize the Tarot and therefore preserve it for future generations.
 At this point in the article, mention should be made of a legendary secret society in Italy known as the Madre Natura.

One of the claims of the Order is that Cardinal dei Medici was a member in high standing.

The Order claimed descent from an ancient Italian priesthood, and one of its goals was to "restore the usurped altars to the god of the silver bow and the radiant daughter of the foaming wave" - a reference to ancient Roman deities.

The Order embraced the Pagan Creeds of the Neo-Platonists, and had connections to the Free Masons and the Carbonari, another secret society in Italy. Naturally these organizations are not pre-Christian themselves; they draw upon older concepts and materials but have no direct lineage to pre-Christian sects.

In recent writings over the past two years or so, I have referred to the tradition passed to me as being "peasant witchcraft" and I use this term to denote its old rustic roots.   It is clear, upon examination, that over time more sophisticated elements were added to the tradition, some of which are Hermetic and some appearing to be concepts reflected in Chaldean star lore.  These, along with ceremonial magic techniques, lead me to believe that the tradition adopted outside beliefs and practices, which were then modified to fit the preexisting witchcraft foundation.  I cover this in my title "The Book of the Holy Strega" published in 2009 (a different book from that of the same title, which I self-published back in the early 1980s).  It seems clear that occultists in the lineage had a hand at introducing elements that were of interest to them and which enhanced the tradition.

When we examine the roots of Italian Witchcraft, we have to include Etruscan influences (at last in mainland Italy).  Sicilian Witchcraft is more influenced by Greek elements, as the Greeks had a stronger presence in Sicily.  But we still find many similarities.  The Etruscans were the heirs to prehistoric religion in what is now mainland Italy, which explains extremely archaic elements of Tuscan Witchcraft.  Southern Italian traditions appear to have more Greek and Spanish influences (as Spain once ruled Sicily and parts of Southern Italy in the past).

Over the passing centuries, foreign cults were brought into Italy.  These included sects from Egypt, the Middle East, and other regions.  Among the most popular and influential cults were those of the Great Mother (Asia Minor), Isis (Egypt), Mithras (Persia), and Dionysus (Greece).  How much of impact these cults had on the rural people is questionable, but among the learned class of city dwellers there is no question.  The villas and estates of the wealthy were decorated with paintings and frescos of foreign deities, which indicates the attraction to these foreign elements.

Ancient writings, such as those by Homer, Lucan and Ovid depict witches as calling upon the goddess Hecate, Diana and Proserpina.  The connection between witches and Diana is a persistent theme and also appears in the Middle Age and Renaissance periods.  The goddess Diana was venerated in the region of Aricia at her sacred site established on the shore of Lake Nemi.

With the rise to power of Christianity, and in particular the conversion of the Roman Emperor Constantine to Christianity, the decline of Paganism took place.  By the late 4th century of the Christian era, Pagan temples were closed by the authorities. The ancient writer Servius tells us that by the end of this century the Cult of Diana at Nemi was dissolved and the Guardian of the Grove (Rex Nemorensis) had been sent to Greece.  All the key and major strongholds of pre-Christian religion were eradicated.

We know historically that at the end of the 4th century a Christian cemetery was established at Nemi, which indicates that it was no longer regarded as Pagan ground.  In addition, the Christians used the area around the lake as a quarry up through the Middle Ages, which made the setting unusable for religious activities and purposes.  The caves along the hillsides became occupied by hermits and vagabonds.  The sacredness of the site gave way to mundane occupation.  In recent times the claim has been made that an unbroken pagan tradition survived at Nemi under the guardianship of a lineage of priestesses up into current times.  This is extremely doubtful in light of the historical facts surrounding Nemi.

The threat posed to witches by the Church and its agents was less severe than in other regions of Europe.  Imprisonment for six months, or banishment, was the most common punishment for anyone sentenced as a witch.  Executions did take place but in comparison to the rest of Europe they were very few.  In Italy, the authorities wanted the accused to repent and turn away from the practice of witchcraft.   There are several cases in Italian witchcraft trials where the accused has appeared before the authorities multiple times.   This type of leniency unintentionally allowed witchcraft practices to survive and be passed on.  We must take note that the witchcraft trials in Italy did not include charges against noble family members, but were aimed at the lower classes.

Of interest is the Gospel of Aradia, by 19th century folklorist Charles Leland, in which we find mention of witches and the nobility:

"In those days were many slaves who were cruelly treated; in every palace tortures, in every castle prisoners"

""And thou shalt teach the art of poisoning, of poisoning those who are great lords of all; yea, thou shalt make them die on their palaces.."

From this we can safely conclude that the witches traditionally had no allies or kindred practitioners among the noble class.  There are, however, oral tales that some nobles protected the occasional witch discretely.  The most likely reason being that the witch was needed for magical aid from time to time.  It should be noted that in some of the non-Leland tales of Aradia, it is suggested that Aradia was of noble bloodlines herself.  In such tales she flees her family (who want her to become a nun), and it appears that the mention of noble blood is simply to explain her ability to read and write.  While some nobles may have been involved in witchcraft, it is extremely unlikely that theirs was a family tradition.  It is more likely that a few people of noble bloodlines somehow found their way into witchcraft groups.

But to discover and understand the true roots of Italian witchcraft we must look to the distant past of pre-history.  The oldest myths and legends come from oral traditions that were later written down for future generations.  They record the memories of our ancestors in the misty past.  The oldest word in Western Culture used to denote a witch is the Greek word pharmaceute, which is pronounced far-mah-koo-tay.  It denotes a person with intimate knowledge of plants.  Since the beginning, witches have been associated with herbs (particularly those with strong chemicals that have profound effects upon the mind and body).

Ancient tales of witches connect them with the crossroads, a place with strong links to magic and to spirits of the dead.  In southern Europe, witches belonged to the vagabond class, which was rejected by mainstream society.  Witches did not gather in the fine temples of Greece and Rome, but met instead outside the cities in rural settings that included a crossroads.   One of the primary deities of the crossroads was the goddess Hecate, who is a classic goddess of witchcraft.  Among her attributes, Hecate is associated with wandering spirits of the dead that gather at the crossroads.   In ancient literature, witches are associated with three specific deities: Hecate, Diana, and Proserpina.  These are the deities of the lower classes, the disenfranchised, rejected, and non-conforming people who are traditionally not accepted within mainstream society.

Folklorists of the 19th century discovered witches in Italy who claimed to be practicing a tradition passed on through family lineage.  Among the folklorists were J.B. Andrews, Roma Lister, Charles Leland, and Lady de Vere.   These folklorists performed field studies in which they interviewed the self-identified witches.  Other authors such as Lina Gordon, and Eliza Heaton, mention village witches they encountered during their stay in Italy.

The latter were solitary witches of the peasant class (as were those interviewed by the folklorists).

This demonstrates that witchcraft was firmly in place in several different regions of Italy, but with no note of witchcraft among the upper classes. "

Source
http://www.stregheria.com/Roots%20of%20Italian%20Witchcraft-.htm

Sunday, October 30, 2016

The Witches Pentacle

"
Author: Sharynne MacLeod NicMhacha

The Pentacle, the symbol of Witchcraft, is a bold and fascinating statement about our place in the Universe.

The pentagram represents an ancient concept that can be found in philosophical thought in both East and West.

Although over 8,000 years old, the image of the pentagram is applicable in our modern world.

The pentagram tells us that we have the ability to bring Spirit to Earth; this applies to every area of practical day-to-day living, as well as spiritual thought. The ability of bringing Spirit to Earth is what makes us whole.

THE STAR OF LIFE

A Historical and spiritual history of the Pentagram

by Sharynne NicMacha

Imagine the perfect apple, ripe and bursting with life. Sliced in half, it reveals a beautiful five-point symmetry-a star formed by the seeds inside.

In fact, each of these five seeds may be seen to contain a symbolism of its own mirroring the spiritual aspects of this universal symbol: idea, sustenance, life, secret knowledge and the hidden mysteries within the earth.

Why has this beautiful and potent emblem, the five-pointed star or pentagram, become such a misunderstood and stigmatized symbol in these times of re-emerging enlightenment?

In the tale of Adam and Eve, the apple signified hidden knowledge which was forbidden to human kind.

Other early cultures encouraged holy and learned persons in their search for divine wisdom.

For example, the Vedas state that the universe and ourselves are One, and that by realizing this and tapping into that Universal energy and state, we achieve wholeness and bliss.

These concepts were known to many ancient civilizations. For most of the western culture, sacred knowledge was designated as the right of the One Deity only., It was considered heretical to study the Divine workings of the Universe.

The apple signified that which we should not attempt to know, and many attempts over the centuries to obtain knowledge of the Universe (and therefore, ourselves) were suppressed.

The pentagram in its modern guise as the pentacle was also a target of this subjugation.

For modern-day Pagans, the Pentacle contains many wonderful layers of symbolism.

The five points symbolize the four directions with the fifth point as the sanctity of Spirit, within and without. The circle around the star symbolizes unity and wholeness.

It represents the quest for Divine Knowledge, a concept which is ancient in origin and universal in scope from the earliest written ritual texts in Babylonia, to the Celts, to the Native American traditions.

Similar to other figures which are made of a single unbroken line, this symbol is used to mark off magical enclosures or ritual areas, especially when used for invocation of deities or spirit.

The pentagram is one of the most powerful and popular symbols used by many Neo-Pagans, including those involved in Wicca and Ceremonial Magic.

In working magic, Pagans may draw the shape of the pentagram in the air with the athame, or sacred blade, sometimes in the four directions as part of the ritual.

A physical pentacle in the form of a flat disc is often the a main feature of the altar and is a widely used ritual tool.

The symbol is used to decorate magickal tools or items such as a chalice, cauldron, or the handle of the athame itself.

For some it represents feminine energy relating to the Goddess and may be used to bind elemental spirits of the earth as well as to hold consecrated objects such as herbs, amulets and crystals.

The spoken or chanted text of a spell or invocation may be repeated five times to help insure its effectiveness. (3, 5, 7, 9 and 13 being some of the most commonly used repetitions in this context).

The pentacle is worn both ornamentally and symbolically by many Pagans for protection and to signify that they are involved in the world of magick and divine wisdom.

It is interesting to note that five-fold symmetries are rarely found in non-organic life forms but are uniquely inherent to life, as in the form of the human hand, a starfish, flowers, plants and many other living things.

This pattern of five exists even down to a molecular level. Five, therefore, embodies the form and formation of life, the very essence of life.

The pentagram is a very widespread sacred symbol used since ancient times in many areas including Egypt, India, Persia and Greece.

Almost all cultures had a five-fold symbol, which was very important to their religious and spiritual life.

The sacred nature of five, the important nature of "five-ness" is amply attested to in Celtic tradition from which much of modern Paganism is derived.

Five appears in numerous Celtic contexts: Ireland had five great roads, five provinces and five paths of the law. The fairy folk counted by fives, and the mythological figures wore five fold cloaks.

In the ancient Irish tale, "Cormac's Cup of Gold", the hero "saw a royal fortress with four houses in it, and a bright well with nine ancient hazels growing over it. In the well, were five salmon who ate the nuts that dropped from the purple hazels, and sent the husks floating down the five streams that flowed therefrom.

The sound of the streams was the sweetest music...The spring was the Well of Knowledge, and the five streams the five senses through which knowledge is obtained.

No one will have knowledge who drinks not a draught out of the well itself or out of the streams. Those who are skilled in many arts drink from both the well and the streams."

In another part of the world, around 500 B.C.E.(Before Current Era) lived Pythagoras, an unparalleled scholar, teacher and leader renowned for his knowledge of arithmetic, music, government and sacred geometry.

He tapped into the divine mysteries, and, like the ancient Celts, (and many Neo-Pagans) learned from and existed comfortably between both worlds.

Pythagoras set up a school where he taught many people, both male and female, who flocked to him in pursuit of divine knowledge. Unfortunately, the school was suppressed in a brutal fashion for political reasons.

After this, his followers and the knowledge itself were forced underground, Pythagoreans considered the five-pointed star to be a symbol of life and of the divine human. Therefore, it became the secret sign of the pythagorean followers, "so that they may know each other, "

The Pythagorean schools continued on in secret and from this line of descent came the Gnostic and Hermetic Mystery Schools (which contained both men and women and were Christian to varying degrees), as well as the Masonic Guilds, expert stone-masons initiated into Mystery Schools learning which included sacred geometry.

Even though the Church considered the Masons to be quite heretical, they hired them to build the most sacred structures in Europe- the great cathedrals-many of which contained pentagonal or five-fold symmetries.

Parallel with Masonic culture were the alchemists of medieval Europe, scientists, philosophers and magicians, both male and female, who studied the mysteries of the Universe.

These societies held onto this five-fold symbol which kept its positive, ancient attributes and signified hidden, luminous knowledge.

This ancient wisdom lived on underground through the mystery schools and other sources and continued throughout the Middle Ages up until modern times.

However, because this Divine knowledge threatened the authority and power of the Church, those who pursued it and the symbols they used were severely persecuted.

The star of life, which had been a symbol of divine illumination, became stigmatized as a sign of heretical thought and eventually as something evil.

These negative attributes were further reinforced by the use of the upside down pentagram by some satanic cults who are probably more "Anti-Christians" than "Pagans". as their beliefs are not those of most Neo-Pagan groups.

Modern media continues to distort the meaning of the pentagram by showing it in both its upright and inverted position, yet portraying all who use it as evil.

In spite of this difficulty history, the symbol has survived, and continues to be used by those who uphold the search for divine knowledge.

The sacred pentagram maintains its many wonderful and magickal ancient attributes and is still the symbol of life it has always been.

Sharynne NicMacha is a Pagan of Celtic descent and teaches workshops in beginning and Celtic paganism and music. She sings with the Moors, a pagan rock duo.

Note: Special thanks to Scott Dakota for his input and assistance in areas oif his expertise, including Pythagoras, sacred geometry, music of the spheres and Ancient Sumeria. Beannachdan!

THE ELEMENTAL PENTACLE

The Pentacle, the most famous symbol of Witchcraft is a bold and fascinating statement about our place in the Universe. When the pentacle is drawn or written, the image created is called a pentagram.

The pentagram represents an ancient concept that can be found in philosophical thought in both East and West. Although over 8,000 years old, the image of the pentagram is applicable in our modern world.

The pentagram tells us that we have the ability to bring Spirit to Earth; this applies to every area of practical day-to-day living, as well as spiritual thought. The ability of bringing Spirit to Earth is what makes us whole.

In Craft rituals, the pentacle is a round disk inscribed with a pentagram and placed upon on the altar. The disk can be made of many different materials.

In more dangerous times, the pentacle was crafted from disposable materials such as clay or dough. To be caught in possession of a pentacle in those days could very well endanger your life.

Nowadays, pentacles are crafted in metals such as copper, brass, silver or gold. Many Witches make their own from stained glass or by etching stones or wood.

The pentacle can also be personalized by adding appropriate astrological symbols, runes and other sigils (magical symbols) that have special meaning to the practitioner.

Many Witches wear a pentacle pendant or ring as a sign of their religion or as an amulet or talisman. The pentacle crafted from silver represents Moon energy and psychic forces.

The same symbol made in gold represents the Sun energies of power and strength. Many pentacles come with embedded stones which can represent birth months or a particular energy that the wearer wants to attract.


During magical operations, the pentagram can be drawn in the air by the athame or sword. When drawn a certain way, it is used to either invoke or banish energies.

Used on the altar, it becomes a focal point to draw in and send out the intentions of the spell or working. The simplest spells of this kind are those involving candle magic. A candle of the appropriate color is charged and place on the pentacle.

Traditionally, each of the five angles has been attributed to the five metaphysical elements of the ancients:

EARTH: (lower left hand corner) represents stability and physical endurance.

FIRE: (lower right hand corner) represents courage and daring.
WATER: (upper right hand corner) represents emotions and intuition.

AIR: (upper left hand corner) represents intelligence and the arts.

SPIRIT: (at the topmost point) represents the All and the Divine.

The Circle around the star represents the God-Goddess; it refracts and reflects all light, bringing to the wearer total intelligence, universal wisdom and protection.

The origins of the pentagram go back to remotest historical antiquity. As far back as pre-Babylonian Sumer, it has been venerated by many civilizations. To the Jewish peoples, it symbolically designated the Pentateauch, the Five Books of Moses It has survived under a variety of titles, such as "The Druid's Root" and "The Witches Star".

To the followers of Pythagoras, it was called "The Pentalpha" being composed of five interlaced A's or Alphas. The Alpha being the first word of the alphabet, we can perhaps view it as showing forth unity in the midst of multiplicity. The individual as part of the Whole.

To ceremonial magicians, the points can represent various elemental energies, spirits or deities.

It is the ruling of the higher mind over the lower elements of our being. It signals the awakening of cosmic consciousness and the beginnings of our own human psyche moving beyond the realms of physical form and the perceptions limited to the five senses. It allows the infinite possibilities that exist within the Universe and frees us to explore and to grow.

This becomes a graphic portrayal of Spirit ruling over the five elements. When the pentagram is placed within a circle, it's energy is focused and directed. The pentagram upright, to those of spiritual perception, represents the redemption of Spirit from matter by ruling over it.

Used inverted, with the top point pointed downward, it represents a second or third degree status in some traditional groups. Many of these groups have since substituted a triangle form for the same degrees because of the association of the inverted form of the pentacle with Satanism and black magic.

The number five is attributed to the influence of Mars. Thus some Witches think of the five pointed star within the circle as force or power contained and controlled by divine wisdom. "

Source
http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.html?a=usma&c=basics&id=2875

Saturday, October 29, 2016

These 14 Real Life Witches Show the ‘Wicked’ Side of Virginia’s History

"If you mention witchcraft and witch trials in America, you’re more than likely speaking of the infamous Salem Witch Trials – a period between February 1692 and May 1693 in which hundreds of people were accused of witchcraft and 20 were executed in Massachusetts.

But, despite Massachusetts receiving much of the spotlight for Colonial witchcraft and subsequent trials, Virginia was actually the first of the colonies to see a formal accusation of witchcraft in 1626, as well as the first trial in 1641.

Historical records indicate that at least 15 people, 13 women and two men, were accused of witchcraft in Colonial Virginia.

Most of the accused did not stand trial or were found “not guilty,” and many were able to countersue their accusers for defamation of character.

Although many of the records have been lost over the years, we do know that only one person was executed and only one other found guilty.

Here’s a brief look at a few of the most notorious witches in the state…

1. 1626: Joan Wright

Witches' Familiars 1579


“Goodwife” Joan Wright, as she was known, was a midwife in Surry County and the first person in any of the colonies to be legally accused of witchcraft.

Goodwife Wright was a healer and most likely a “cunning” woman, the term used for those who practiced low-level magic. 

This, combined with the fact that she was left-handed (a fact that made her untrustworthy by the superstitious standards of the day), served to make her an oddity in the community.

Her accusers claimed that she had accurately predicted the deaths of at least four of her neighbors, bewitched livestock and crops and cast a spell that killed a newborn baby. Although she was arraigned, she never faced trial. No one knows what, if any, punishment she faced, but records indicate that at some point she was fined 100 pounds of tobacco for an unspecified act.

2. 1641: Mrs. George Barker

Trial 1
Unattributed [Public domain] / Wikimedia Commons
The first known witch trial in the New World took place in Norfolk in 1641. Mrs. George Barker was accused of witchcraft by Jane Rookens of “Lower” Norfolk, although the exact charges are not known. Mrs. Barker was acquitted of all charges and records indicate the Mrs. Rookens later said she “was sorry for what she said.” As compensation for the false accusation, Mrs. Rookens’ husband, George Rookens, was required to pay Mrs. Barker’s court charges and other related expenses.

3. 1654: Katherine Grady

Storm at sea
Andries van Eertvelt [Public domain] / Wikimedia Commons
While Katherine Grady is the only person to be executed for witchcraft in Virginia, she wasn’t actually in Virginia at the time of her death. Instead, she was on a ship headed for the new colony from England. At the time, it was not uncommon to blame sorcery or witchcraft for events like storms or drought. So, when a violent storm blew in, the witch hunt began. Katherine, an elderly woman, seemed the most likely candidate for sorcery and in an effort to stop the storm, she was hung at sea. As Virginia was the ship’s final destination, the event fell under the colony’s jurisdiction and the incident was reported by the captain upon his arrival in Jamestown.

4. 1656: William Harding

Accusation
By J. W. Ehninger [Public domain] / Wikimedia Commons
While the majority of those accused of witchcraft in Virginia, and the rest of the nation, were women, on occasion a man would come under suspicion for using dark magic or sorcery. In 1656, Reverend David Lindsay, a Scottish immigrant who had witnessed many witch trials in his home country, accused another Virginia man, William Harding, of witchcraft. Harding was found guilty of the charges, and sentenced to 13 lashes of the whip and ordered to leave the county.

5. 1698-1714: Grace Sherwood – The Witch of Pungo

As the most famous of Virginia’s witches, Grace Sherwood may or may not have doled out curses on her neighbors, but after what she went through, you would be hard pressed to blame her if she did. Born in Princess Anne County in the town of Pungo, Sherwood was non-traditional for a woman of her times. Said to be strikingly beautiful, she was also a healer, an herbalist and a midwife who wore men’s trousers when planting crops. The first case against her began in 1698 when Richard Capps began spreading rumors that she was a witch. Sherwood and her husband sued Capps for slander, but their case was dismissed.

Grace Sherwood
User name: Source / Wikipedia Commons
Six months later, a local constable, John Gisburne, accused Sherwood of bewitching his pigs to death and destroying his cotton crops. At the same time, Elizabeth Barnes, another neighbor, accused Sherwood of coming to her in the night and “riding” her before escaping through “…the key hole or crack of the door like a Black Catt.” This time, when the Sherwoods sued for slander, the defendants won and the Sherwoods had to pay court costs.

Matteson-witch (1)
Thompkins H. Matteson (The Peabody Essex Museum) [Public domain] / Wikimedia Commons
Finally, in 1706, after several other run-ins with neighbors and the law, Sherwood was brought up on formal charges due to accusations by Luke and Elizabeth Hill. She was searched for strange markings that would confirm her status as a witch, but when none were found, the case went to a higher court.

Witchduck Road
PumpkinSky [CC BY-SA 3.0] / Wikimedia Commons
In July 1706, she was ordered to a trial by water or “ducking.” When she was brought from her cell, the crowd chanted, “Duck the Witch!” And today, roads, lakes and neighborhoods where the trial took place bear the name “Witchduck.”

Grace_Sherwood_stone_horizontal
PumpkinSky [CC BY-SA 3.0] / Wikimedia Commons
Sherwood survived the trial, thus “proving” she was a witch. She was imprisoned for 8 years before being released. She returned home and led a quiet life until her death in 1740 at the age of 80. Her story gained notoriety with the publication of a children’s book called “The Witch of Pungo” in 1973, and in 2006, she was exonerated by then Governor Tim Kaine on the 300th anniversary of her trial.

6. 1730: “Mary”

Trial 2
Baker, Joseph E., ca. 1837-1914, artist. [Public domain] / Wikimedia Commons
The last known case of witchcraft in Virginia occurred in 1730 when a woman known only as “Mary” was accused of using witchcraft to find lost items and treasure. While she never received a formal trial, she was sentenced to 39 lashes with the whip. Little else is known about her story, but it does serve as an example of the inconsistency and superstitious fear that seemed to drive witch trials in the 17th and 18th century.

While these 6 “witches” have the most documented stories, there are a number of other men and women that faced accusations of witchcraft in Virginia. This is what we know about them:

7. 1657: Barbara Wingbaugh. Although the charges are unknown, Barbara Winbaugh went to trial and was acquitted.

8. 1659: Mistress Robinson. Accused, but never tried, Mistress Robinson countersued and her accuser, Ann Godby, was fined 300 pounds in “Tobacco and Caske” as compensation for the slander.

9. 1671: Mrs. Christopher Neal. A resident of Northumberland County, Mrs. Neal was accused, but not tried.

10. 1675: Jane (or Joan) Jenkins. A resident of Norfolk, Jane Jenkins was also accused, but not tried.

11. 1678: Alice Cartwrite. Alice Cartwrite of Norfolk was acquitted during trial.

12. 1679: Paul Cartel. Not many records exist for this case, but apparently Mr. Cartel was accused of killing a man in Accomack County and the condition of the corpse was sufficient to find him guilty of using witchcraft to commit the murder.

13. 1694: Phyllis Money. Although acquitted, Phyllis Money of Westmoreland County had been accused of teaching her daughter and son-in-law how to be a witch and wizard and bewitching their horse. She countersued her accuser, William Earle, for damages, but received nothing.

14. 1695: Eleanor Morris. Accused of sorcery by a neighbor in King and Queen County, Eleanor Morris was acquitted, but her husband countersued the accuser for defamation. In the end, the Morrises walked away with 500 pounds.

While witch hysteria never reached the same proportions in Virginia as it did in Massachusetts and other parts of New England, witches were a fascinating part of our history all the same. And in terms of “firsts,” once again Virginia takes the prize…sorry, Salem!"

Source
http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/virginia/witches-va/