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Italian Folk Magic: Rue's Kitchen Witchery
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.
"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.
240 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2018
243 people are currently reading
2573 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
June 3, 2022
Do read this book, - even if you're not a witch or not Italian. Of course, my witch friends will profit the most from it, but it's such an enjoyable read for anybody who likes folklore, Italian culture, tasty food... You see, Mary-Grace Fahrun is a wonderful storyteller. And she has these numerous aunts and uncles, and magic things happen to everybody, and there are kitchens and herbs and spells and recipes - it's extremely comforting. But also you might want to practice some of this.
The foreword is a bit tinged with conceit towards us neo-pagans, but never mind that, this person doesn't get to talk for the rest of the book, and the author herself is a normal witch with a pentacle and all.
I do not agree with her every word; her use of salt, for one thing, is appalling and potentially harmful to the environment. Even so, this is definitely among the best witchcraft books I've read.
The foreword is a bit tinged with conceit towards us neo-pagans, but never mind that, this person doesn't get to talk for the rest of the book, and the author herself is a normal witch with a pentacle and all.
I do not agree with her every word; her use of salt, for one thing, is appalling and potentially harmful to the environment. Even so, this is definitely among the best witchcraft books I've read.
February 3, 2020
As an Italian I was already familiar with some of this, but I'm not from the south (this is mostly based on her relatives in Naples) and the author also included personal experiences and Italian-American traditions.
Sometimes there are brief mentions of something, like anecdotes, that are then repeated in their specific category. For certain things this may happen more than a couple times.
This was really interesting to read, but it was repetitive and the recurrent thought "I've already read about this" wasn't a pleasant one.
My family consider themselves Catholic, I remember my grandmothers with their houses filled with little statues (mostly of la Madonna or Jesus) and attending mass every Sunday. My parents while they may have a belief don't really show it, my mother buys roses every year for Saint Rita though because she's her namesake. Interestingly they gave me a modern name that isn't linked to any saint, technically this means I'm under all of them (to celebrate on All Saints' Day).
Sometimes there are brief mentions of something, like anecdotes, that are then repeated in their specific category. For certain things this may happen more than a couple times.
This was really interesting to read, but it was repetitive and the recurrent thought "I've already read about this" wasn't a pleasant one.
My family consider themselves Catholic, I remember my grandmothers with their houses filled with little statues (mostly of la Madonna or Jesus) and attending mass every Sunday. My parents while they may have a belief don't really show it, my mother buys roses every year for Saint Rita though because she's her namesake. Interestingly they gave me a modern name that isn't linked to any saint, technically this means I'm under all of them (to celebrate on All Saints' Day).
May 25, 2020
A brilliant perspective on Italian folk-magick, from a delightful author. Every bit as wonderful as her YouTube channel!
November 19, 2019
I'm half Sicilian, my dad came to the USA as a kid from Palermo. As kids my sister and I were not taught much Italian (in the way of language and traditions) but we enjoyed food and at times get togethers. My extended family is not close. My grandmother was mean and we feared her but she is who I summon when I'm making bread or a pasta dish. I am always looking for more info about my culture that I was not taught.
This book helped but it was very family focused at times and since I do not have that connection I felt bummed. I wish it delved more into things outside of family and how to connect to ancestors that you many not have gotten to know.
This book helped but it was very family focused at times and since I do not have that connection I felt bummed. I wish it delved more into things outside of family and how to connect to ancestors that you many not have gotten to know.
April 10, 2021
Straight off the bat I want to say I LOVED this book.
It's beautifully designed, laid out, and well-written. At first I wasn't sure if it was going to be right for me, because I don't have a kitchen that I can happily cook in and I worried the book might be heavily focused on kitchen magic and cooking (the cover says 'Rue's Kitchen Witchery'). There were recipes in here and sections that talked about the magical role of cooking - as Fahrun says 'Italian culture is food-centric'. But actually, I was surprised to find these sections rather inspiring! I really hope one day we'll have a workable, clean kitchen space. These sections were also not the bulk of the book, though the overall concept of hearth and home magic permeated throughout.
The way Fahrun writes is a pleasure. Usually I'm a very practical, facts-only person. I don't tend to read books that are anecdotal or give lots of exercises - I like to just extract information. But I absolutely loved reading Fahrun's stories about her family and memories. I laughed out loud and I gasped! I could picture these people vividly in my mind and I feel like this book is truly a way for Fahrun's ancestors, their stories, and ways of life to live on in perpetuity (which was her intention for the book). It has made me think a lot more about my own ancestors, which is partly why I bought the book in the first place. My family left Naples around 1800 and so, though I have not inherited any Italian traditions and don't feel I can really claim any, learning about them has been immensely moving for me. Usually these customs are passed down orally through families and so for those without this experience (including those drawn to IFM without any familial ties) Fahrun provides such a gift with this book.
In the conclusion Fahrun expresses the hope that she has provided some building blocks for the reader's practice; that it makes them curious about their ancestors; makes them want to cook and craft; and that it makes them want to practice, or create their own customs and traditions. For me, I can say that it achieved all of the above.
It's beautifully designed, laid out, and well-written. At first I wasn't sure if it was going to be right for me, because I don't have a kitchen that I can happily cook in and I worried the book might be heavily focused on kitchen magic and cooking (the cover says 'Rue's Kitchen Witchery'). There were recipes in here and sections that talked about the magical role of cooking - as Fahrun says 'Italian culture is food-centric'. But actually, I was surprised to find these sections rather inspiring! I really hope one day we'll have a workable, clean kitchen space. These sections were also not the bulk of the book, though the overall concept of hearth and home magic permeated throughout.
The way Fahrun writes is a pleasure. Usually I'm a very practical, facts-only person. I don't tend to read books that are anecdotal or give lots of exercises - I like to just extract information. But I absolutely loved reading Fahrun's stories about her family and memories. I laughed out loud and I gasped! I could picture these people vividly in my mind and I feel like this book is truly a way for Fahrun's ancestors, their stories, and ways of life to live on in perpetuity (which was her intention for the book). It has made me think a lot more about my own ancestors, which is partly why I bought the book in the first place. My family left Naples around 1800 and so, though I have not inherited any Italian traditions and don't feel I can really claim any, learning about them has been immensely moving for me. Usually these customs are passed down orally through families and so for those without this experience (including those drawn to IFM without any familial ties) Fahrun provides such a gift with this book.
In the conclusion Fahrun expresses the hope that she has provided some building blocks for the reader's practice; that it makes them curious about their ancestors; makes them want to cook and craft; and that it makes them want to practice, or create their own customs and traditions. For me, I can say that it achieved all of the above.
July 28, 2023
This book was a big disappointment. Partly my fault, I suppose - I was expecting a book focused on, well, Italian magico-religious practices as told through memories and episodes from the author's life. And while these are definitely present, and VERY interesting, the bulk of the book is about the reinterpretation and "operative guidelines" of "Italian" magic through a weird new age-y lens that completely distorts the roots and substance of what are the magico-religious traditions of Italy. I call them magico-religious because they are inextricable for folk religious practice and beliefs, while the author insists the magic comes from the user (???) and so anyone of any faith can practice it - which is a gross misunderstanding of the nature of Italian folk magic, and quite disrespectful to non-christian people because while should, say, a muslim pray to saints and angels when they have their own religious beliefs that make space for magico-religious rituals?
The memories of the author in regard to their family members' magico-religious practices are extremely interesting, as I said. But they are so few. 90% of the text is new age babbling and stuff that has no place when folk Italian magic is discussed. I am shocked to see an anthropology has blurbed this!
Unfortunately, this is yet another confirmation that di Martino's work (read Magic: a Theory from the South) is still the most valid book on the subject, despite being 60 years old.....
The memories of the author in regard to their family members' magico-religious practices are extremely interesting, as I said. But they are so few. 90% of the text is new age babbling and stuff that has no place when folk Italian magic is discussed. I am shocked to see an anthropology has blurbed this!
Unfortunately, this is yet another confirmation that di Martino's work (read Magic: a Theory from the South) is still the most valid book on the subject, despite being 60 years old.....
June 25, 2020
altho it's mind blowingly cringey at some points (she even starts going off about her daughter being a weaboo at one point lol) i have been waiting sooo long for a book like this
January 31, 2024
I had to give this 4 stars because of the incredible way it pulled at my nostalgic heartstrings. Just after reading a few pages of the intro I had already recommended this book to 5 other Canadian Italians that I knew would love it.
Somehow her recipes made me want to cook things I’ve never tried before, her incantations and talismans made me curious to see if they might work, and most importantly her discussions of Italian folk tales and superstitions passed down from her Italian family and friends made me realize how much of this I already knew from my own childhood and made me miss the nonni that I’ve lost so much💙
Somehow her recipes made me want to cook things I’ve never tried before, her incantations and talismans made me curious to see if they might work, and most importantly her discussions of Italian folk tales and superstitions passed down from her Italian family and friends made me realize how much of this I already knew from my own childhood and made me miss the nonni that I’ve lost so much💙
March 28, 2022
This is a delightful little book for any of us with an Italian and witchy background. No pretentious ritual instructions or step-by-step spells here, as in a number of pagan books, but plenty of lore and a good peek into the unusual mixture of Catholic tradition, hedgewitchery and superstition that seems peculiar to Italy, especially southern Italy where my family is from.
January 7, 2024
I thought I was getting a full detailed history and origins about the various Italian customs. Was kind of disappointed to see only lists and recipes (not that those aren’t great, just not where I thought this book was going). I liked some of the personal stories just wish there was more.
May 20, 2018
A quite fascinating book on the Author's experiences with Italian Folk Magic. Being that I've never really studied the subject, I felt that the author was genuine, the writing was good, and the tips and tricks were similar enough to other folk magic which I have encountered. If you are interested in folk magic traditions, Italian Folk Magic may be a good place to start.
April 8, 2020
Missing my Grandmother. Missing that Grandfather got in the way of Grandma teaching "the way of Mary" to me. Highland Park (a Detroit neighborhood) in the 1930s-60s was mixture of many provincial Italians coming together, so what is done in Cellera Calabria does not meld well with what is done Serra de Falco, Sicily. Glad to hear that the author had a different experience in Connecticut, which makes me wonder about my Grandpapa's Sisters and Brothers, the Santellas from Campobasso Molise, who remained back east in Altoona.
It is helping to make coherent, many of my Grandmother's practices she did without explanation.
It is helping to make coherent, many of my Grandmother's practices she did without explanation.
January 24, 2020
A bit melodramatic and exaggerated in the story recounts and some aspects left me a bit confused as the author leaves the impression that every outside practitioner ends up cursing her whether it be directly or indirectly. I wasn't really clear. She also claims all practices are ok just follow your intuition, and yet her aunts save her from curses repeatedly. I guess the cursing aspects left me confused. On the plus side I really enjoyed the sections on the recipes, and the general integration of the culture and religion with the the folk magic. Lots of fun folk magic history and tips.
May 9, 2024
Despite the fact that I am not practicing magic, nor do i plan to, this book came to me, and I knew that I had to read it.
Quite a few things in here that made me think fondly of my Italian grandmother -- and my Polish grandmother -- probably because both women were superstitious, and they pinned saint medals and other talismans (amulets?) inside their clothing and handbags.
I think that this would be a wonderful primer and reference book for the magically-inclined.
Two things that struck me deeply were the author writing about:
1) Remaining close to your deceased ancestors -- talk to them, keep objects that were precious to them...
2) Approaching house work, cooking, crafting, creating, etc. with devotion. Performing these acts as a meditation, a prayer.
I thought of the movie Household Saints. There's a line about Teresa finding God in the house work.
Quite a few things in here that made me think fondly of my Italian grandmother -- and my Polish grandmother -- probably because both women were superstitious, and they pinned saint medals and other talismans (amulets?) inside their clothing and handbags.
I think that this would be a wonderful primer and reference book for the magically-inclined.
Two things that struck me deeply were the author writing about:
1) Remaining close to your deceased ancestors -- talk to them, keep objects that were precious to them...
2) Approaching house work, cooking, crafting, creating, etc. with devotion. Performing these acts as a meditation, a prayer.
I thought of the movie Household Saints. There's a line about Teresa finding God in the house work.
January 25, 2023
This book took me on the trip of a lifetime. As a second generation Italian American, I could relate to so much. Memories of my family came flooding back. This book reminded me of all the love, closeness, & stories my family told and shared many times over. Oh the Sunday dinners, the noise of a full house is music to my ears.
My children also had this growing up but now they don't have time for Sunday dinners and my heart hurts for what they & their children will miss. As for me, the house is open, I show my family & friends my love through cooking.
Thank you for reminding me of my ancestors and the memories of my childhood.
My children also had this growing up but now they don't have time for Sunday dinners and my heart hurts for what they & their children will miss. As for me, the house is open, I show my family & friends my love through cooking.
Thank you for reminding me of my ancestors and the memories of my childhood.
March 4, 2024
Great book full of Italian traditions. I really appreciated hearing and learning about the Italian culture. Their traditions are strong rooted and provide a great sense of comfort and community. I recommend listening to this book on audio. The author’s voice is soothing and that way you will also hear the proper pronunciations.
January 21, 2024
There's definitely some fascinating bits in here but there are some repetitive sections and parts that are more new age rather than traditional. Still worth the time spent listening to the audio from the library
May 21, 2024
This was a fascinating read! Even if you are not Italian or witchy, this book was an inspiring how-to manual for bringing a bit of magic to the mundane aspects of life and to live with intention.
Also, the recipes sound amazing and I can't wait to try them myself.
Also, the recipes sound amazing and I can't wait to try them myself.
June 22, 2025
Titel is very misleading I would say. Damm, what a waste of time
December 14, 2022
This is a wonderful book for witches and folk practitioners of all experience levels. Mary-Grace writes in a simple, easy to read way. What a pleasure this book is! I loved learning about the cultural and family traditions she shared - and she shares a lot! There are many "take homes" throughout the book, including swathes of practical knowledge and ideas, along with many entertaining stories of her experience growing up in the folk magic tradition of her family.
This is a great book for all who are curious to learn more about Italian folk magic, or those who want serious inspiration for hearth and home magic!
This is a great book for all who are curious to learn more about Italian folk magic, or those who want serious inspiration for hearth and home magic!
November 25, 2023
I loved this! True appreciation for culture intermingled with personal stories. Very charming.
May 31, 2025
This book was a good introduction to Italian magic and related traditions. It helped me connect to my roots more and learn things I hadn't before, when growing up far from Italy. It covers a lot of things - not in much detail, but that is why I consider it a beginner's guide. More extensive research has to be done separately. Magic to me is about taking what resonates and leaving what doesn't work for you. In this book there is obviously a lot about superstitions and similar concepts that can be difficult for people with anxiety - and this is why I think that the beauty of this practice is about being able to stick with beliefs that you are comfortable with. The author herself also mentions the importance of adopting practices that work for you, which I am glad she highlighted. Regardless, superstitions and related topics are interesting to learn about from a cultural perspective! And that is also very important. The book was so easy to read through and I think Mary-Grace is a lovely storyteller. She made me realize how much I need to reconnect to my culture, even with small rituals. Magic can definitely be an everyday thing, even when it comes to simple actions and moments. Definitely a good start :)
November 29, 2025
I learned so much about my Italian backgound. Who knew there was so much power available? Very interesting. Thanks to my daughter for gifting it to me. I may not have read it otherwise.
April 8, 2023
Contrary to my appearance I'm only 3rd generation American on my Italian side. Unfortunately we went to the middle of nowhere Idaho and ended up completely losing our entire culture. We don't have the quintessential Italian American community that you see everywhere. I decided to pick this up in an attempt to reclaim some of that side. I loved hearing about Fahrun's childhood and the community that raised her. I learned a lot and it inspired me to clean my kitchen. That says a lot because I HATE dishes. I love cooking and baking but I live alone so there is no one to help with chores. I found this easy to consume and not gatekeeping. It was nice to see a different way to approach witchcraft; almost all the books I read and review are based on Northern European beliefs. I'll be adding a lot of what I learned to my current craft.
In a fun note, I've been identifying as a hearth witch for years and years without knowing that Italian witchcraft is based mostly in kitchen witchery. I guess it runs in the blood.
In a fun note, I've been identifying as a hearth witch for years and years without knowing that Italian witchcraft is based mostly in kitchen witchery. I guess it runs in the blood.
July 1, 2020
Love, love, loved this book!
I am not a very spiritual person, I am atheist and think that probably there is no "life after death", but who knows?
I identify as a witch politically, connecting myself to a long history of women who read, healed, and defied the limited gender roles they were told to stay within.
I am 3rd or 4th generation Italian-American and very interested in researching my roots.
I grew up in a home with my parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents (until my great-grandparents both passed when I was 12).
I love the connections the author points out between Italian Catholicism and magic/witchcraft (magia/stregoneria). I also grew up with altars, saints, and candles in my home.
I may even consider praying to my Great-Grandma Laura (whose birthday was yesterday), just in case she can hear me. I do keep photos and her old wooden clothespin and her and Great-Grandpa Angelo's magnifying glass around my room.
I also want to buy myself an Italian/Napolitano Scopa deck and maybe a tarocchi deck.
I will be recommending this book to my mom and friends.
I am not a very spiritual person, I am atheist and think that probably there is no "life after death", but who knows?
I identify as a witch politically, connecting myself to a long history of women who read, healed, and defied the limited gender roles they were told to stay within.
I am 3rd or 4th generation Italian-American and very interested in researching my roots.
I grew up in a home with my parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents (until my great-grandparents both passed when I was 12).
I love the connections the author points out between Italian Catholicism and magic/witchcraft (magia/stregoneria). I also grew up with altars, saints, and candles in my home.
I may even consider praying to my Great-Grandma Laura (whose birthday was yesterday), just in case she can hear me. I do keep photos and her old wooden clothespin and her and Great-Grandpa Angelo's magnifying glass around my room.
I also want to buy myself an Italian/Napolitano Scopa deck and maybe a tarocchi deck.
I will be recommending this book to my mom and friends.
September 27, 2019
As someone who is a nice mix of Irish-American and Italian-American, I have to say that this was an interesting read. Being raised Catholic (to the point of even going to Catholic school and getting as far as Confirmation in sacraments) I found this to be an eye-opening introduction to the Italian Folk Magick that has been practiced during my upbringing, probably even without the knowledge of the family members who are practicing it. Though I no longer venerate the Saints or practice any form of Catholicism - mystical or otherwise - reading this book was a fantastic experience, particularly through my relating to those experiences of the author. Her writing brought about laughter, gasps, tuts, and all kinds of reactions that are hard to get out of me, a usually stone-faced reader, as I found her style to be informative AND personal.
April 18, 2018
Superb book! I love reading about how people integrate their spirituality with their daily life and in this case their Italian culture.
I recommend checking out the glossary at the back of the book. Not only will it help with the Italian language but it really put me in the mood.
Oh, by the way, when she says kitchen, expect some Italian recipes.
"Food is love when we cook for our families."
It's a "must-read"...
I recommend checking out the glossary at the back of the book. Not only will it help with the Italian language but it really put me in the mood.
Oh, by the way, when she says kitchen, expect some Italian recipes.
"Food is love when we cook for our families."
It's a "must-read"...
July 23, 2020
I expected discussion of malocchio and saints, and even a recipe or two--yes, there was plenty of this. But, oh, how I was tickled to read proverbs ("Chi disprezza compra") and tips (a ringing bell will bring you news!) which parallel my family's own superstitions. Discussion of tombola and other cartomancy make perfect sense, but they came as sweet surprises. I value Mary-Grace's humor and generosity in this volume, and look forward to coming back to it again and again.
June 21, 2021
This was a great introduction - I’m mixed and didn’t have much of a cultural Italian heritage aside from the food on one side of the family. I always wished I’d had more elders who would pass down stuff like this as my grandparents passed when I was a kid. This was lovely!
December 1, 2020
A heartwarming way of reconnecting with family traditions; will definitely check out other books on Italian witchcraft, since it is my own country!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews