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Stregheria is the Craft of the Italian Witches known as La Vecchia Religione. It's an ancient system, steeped with History that dates back to the 14th century. We are the descendants of an ancient people who used Moon Lore, Symbolisms, Herbs and Spirits (Faery) to work their magick.
Stregheria resembles Wicca in that both systems are Goddess based. Both Stregheria and many Wiccan traditions accept the duality of both a female and male God. In Stregheria, the goddess is known as Tana and the god as Tanus. Diana represents the Moon goddess. Many of the Goddesses and Gods are known by different names in different traditions. These dieties are evoked for many purposes and are part of our everyday life.
Stregheria and Wicca celebrate many of the same rites or Festivals even though the names are not the same and sometimes they occur on a slightly diffferent date. The Stregheria Mythos is somewhat different too. The Tools of the Stregheria are likened to the armor and weapons of a Knight: any true witch must be to some degree a spiritual warrior.
Strega also recognizes a third person, Aradia. She came to be known as the Holy Strega, a spiritual teacher and wise woman. The message of Aradia, called the Covenant, offered her followers the path to freedom and personal empowerment. Aradia also taught that the traditional powers of a witch would belong to any who adhered to the way of the Old Religion. Aradia called these Gifts and Beliefs. The Charge of Aradia is the message she left her followers. Learn about the Code of Ethics of the Stregheria.
Stop by and read Leland's Aradia: Gospel of the Witches. Written in 1890, Leland spent better than 12 years researching Italian Witchcraft.
I have created a Strega Contact Page for those who are interested in contacting other Strega. For the solo Strega, this should prove to be an invaluable tool to discuss ideas, teachings and the path of Stregheria. I have made a Study Guide to follow along with Raven Grimassi's book 'Ways of the Strega'. I will be happy to try to answer any question you may have.
Herbs often have several different associations or symbolic correspondences. It is the aspect of the herb being used in the spell that will determine its symbolism. Herbs can also be used to enhance the power of ritual tools. Visit my Strega Herbs and Plants page for more in depth info of the herbs used most by the Strega.
Included is a Glossary of Terms to help you understand the Strega terminology. A page of Selected Reading materials is posted to get you started in the discovery of Witchcraft. Not all books listed are Strega based, but cover a variety of other traditions as well.
Visit my page on Pagan Manners and a Basic Altar Set Up. If you are thinking of forming or joining a Circle or Coven don't miss my pages on Coven Leadership. Read my Ramblings on Strega and a short page about me!!
Visit my Book of Shadows for some original chants and spells, as well as others that I have found. If you would like to contribute to my Book of Shadows, please email me.
A recent addition is is information on Dreams and Types of Divination. Have a look and see all the different ways of divining.
Some of my favorite 'things to do' are attend Renaissance Faires or Society of Creative Anacronism events. Here you will learn how to enjoy a Ren Faire, or S.C.A. Event: costuming, the language and medievel insults. Its lots of fun, so don't miss out, check the Renaissance Faire links for a faire in your area.
Visit some of my Favorite Links and Graphics Links. If you still can't find what you are looking for, try my specialized Search Engines. There are some great Newsletters and Mailing Lists available on the internet also! If you would like to learn about the true origins and meaning of 'Halloween', visit my page which addresses some of the myths that surround what Halloween is all about.
Also visit my Fun Site. Here you will find places to get free email addys, free web space, places to send free postcards and virtual gifts, trivia, art & crafts stuff, and info on my favorite dogs, Greyhounds; and my favorite cats, Siamese!!
Please sign my Guest Book and let me know what you think of my 'casa on the web'.
tante benedizione,
Fabrisia
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