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An Urban Wicca
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Sea Meditation
Seasons of the Witch
Solitary Talk
Summoning Hathor
Sunlight in your Magick
The Guardians of the Four Sacred Gateways
The River Wild:
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Ways of the Strega by Raven Grimassi
Who Was Franz Bardon
Why I am a Solitary Practitioner
Why Love is the Law - A Primer
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Ways of the Strega

By Raven Grimassi

There are two schools of thought regarding modern Witchcraft as a religion: that it is based on traditions preserved since ancient times, and that it is founded primarily on Gerald Gardner's research and experiences. Author Raven Grimassi strongly subscribes to the first point of view and relates it specifically to the practice of Italian Witchcraft, basing her assertions on personal knowledge and extensive examination of documented research. In Ways of the Strega, Grimassi presents a comprehensive look at hereditary Italian Witchlore, combining historical background with related mythology and a practical workbook. The result is a spirited defense of this archaic tradition in an engaging and readable form.

Raven Grimassi begins Ways of the Strega stating the foundations of her book: that Italian Witchcraft (or ways of the Strega—Strega being the Italian term for a female Witch) is chiefly hereditary, that it predates northern and western European traditions, and that the Roman armies carried this pagan religion throughout the world, collecting and adapting aspects of other belief systems. Grimassi goes on to provide a brief outline of the Aradian Tradition, which evolved in the Fourteenth Century under the direction of Aradia, a wisewoman seeking to revive the Old Religion. Within the currently practiced Aradian Tradition there is a blending of three previously independent groups; the Fanarra (Keepers of Earth Mysteries), the Janarra (Keepers of Lunar Mysteries) and the Tanarra (Keepers of Stellar Mysteries). All three factions practiced herbalism, divination and magick; and there are more specialized functions within each group. It is from this triad that modern Italian Witchcraft descended. Much of what is ritualized and celebrated today traces back to Aradia's time and before.

Ways of the Strega is divided into three principal parts: a historical overview, a workbook for actual practice, and a compilation of Aradia's known life and teachings. Part one reveals Grimassi's stringent inspection of documented research and her ability to ascertain commonalities between belief systems. It provides a brief but complete look at Italian Witchcraft as a religion—reviewing basic beliefs, seasonal festivals, magickal standards and the Right and Left Hand Paths—and relates these elements to systems such as the Roman and Celtic traditions. Also included is a chapter examining the links between Catholicism and the ways of the Strega, pointing out both strong initial similarities as well as evidence of mutual exchange and adoption of practices. The last section is devoted to acknowledging the contributions of Leland, Gardner and Frazer to Craft Theology and public recognition of the Old Religion. This is a nice touch, testifying as it does to Grimassi's thorough scholarship and her respect for these remarkable men.

Part two of Ways of the Strega is a grimoire, covering such topics as tools, symbology, personal and community rituals, spellcasting and starlore. Though each section does address relevant material, some are sparse in content. The chapter dealing with herbal lore contains a fascinating description of how to grow and use a plant familiar; but it mentions only a few herbs commonly used by the Strega and does not list any general guidelines or usages. This lack of basic instruction leaves the reader wondering how much has been left out and where that information can be found. In contrast, the chapter regarding Stregherian tools and symbols is very detailed. There are two articles unique to the tradition, the Spirit Bowl and the Nanta Bag, are lovingly and explicitly explained. It is possible to get a good sense of the practices of the Strega from this section, but there is quite a bit of room for expansion.

The last portion of Ways of the Strega explores what is known about Aradia, the woman who organized the Fourteenth Century revival of the traditional Old Religion in Italy. She has been immortalized in Charles Leland's Aradia: Gospel of the Witches. Raven Grimassi quotes heavily from this work, pointing out inconsistencies in the text and advancing her own theory of its veracity. Grimassi goes on to list Aradia's teachings and basic precepts, emphasizing their applicability today. Ways of the Strega concludes with several appendices containing further Aradian material (including the Charge of Aradia), and myths upon which the Italian tradition draws heavily.

Ways of the Strega is a well researched and reasonably complete look at hereditary Italian witchcraft. Raven Grimassi's brisk, factual style makes for easy reading and the content is organized in logical progression that is easy to follow. Topical transitions are smooth and there is no discernible dead space. Black and white illustrations and as reproduced engravings are plentiful and aid in envisioning gestures, tools and ritual practices. The spells and rituals detailed within the book are relatively simple and should be easy to employ; though some adjustment might be necessary for solitary practitioners. Grimassi's love and knowledge of her subject make the material all the more attractive. Despite wanting more detail in certain sections, this book stands solidly as a reference work.

Ways of the Strega is an intriguing look at an ancient tradition that remains very much alive. Its specialized focus within pagan belief systems is certainly worth exploring and will be of interest to students of occult religions. Recommended.

Janet Dugan