In this fascinating journey through the magical, folkloric, and healing traditions of Italy the reader learns uniquely Italian methods of magical protection and divination and spells for love, sex, control, and revenge.

"Mary-Grace Fahrun's Italian Folk Magic is an intimate journey into the heart of Italian folk magical practices as they are lived every day. Having grown up in an extended Italian family in North America and Italy, the author presents us with the stories, characters, saints, charms, and prayers that form the core of folk religion, setting them in context in an authentic, down-to-earth, and humorous voice. A delight to read!"—Sabina Magliocco, Professor of Anthropology, University of British Columbia

Italian Folk Magiccontains:

• magical and religious rituals
• prayers
• divination techniques
• crafting
• blessing rituals
• witchcraft

The author also explores the evil eye, known as malocchio in Italian, explaining what it is, where it comes from, and, crucially, how to get rid of it.

This book can help Italians regain their magical heritage, but Italian folk magic is a beautiful, powerful, and effective magical tradition that is accessible to anyone who wants to learn it.
 

"In this illuminating guide to Italian folklore, Fahrun, a nurse, Reiki master, and lifelong collector of Italian family recipes, shares her zeal for preserving Italian heritage. Through intimate relationships with her aunts and grandmother, Fahrun began learning from an early age the essence of Italian folklore and magic, and the traditions that stemmed from those customs. The kitchen, in particular, became a training ground for Fahrun to learn which ingredients and foods were purported to heal certain ailments. She shares knowledge passed down over generations in clear language. For example, minestra di verdure (an Italian vegetable soup) is prescribed as "medicine for intestinal problems" and for skin infections she recommends rubbing the sensitive area with an ointment that is "one part garlic paste and two parts lard." Fahrun also weighs in on the importance of dispelling malevolent spirits, such as malocchio (the evil eye), and suggests potential remedies, including the recitation of charms. Fahrun also briefly touches on the significance of amulets (items that repel bad luck and harm) and talismans (items that attract good luck) to Italian witchcraft. This fun book will be a great resource for readers looking to try out simple Italian recipes or learn about Italian folklore." - Publishers Weekly, March 2018