Magick at the Crossroads: Italian Folk-Magick & the Old Religion

by Gianmichael Salvato

From the legend of the Holy Strega, Aradia -- Queen of the Witches, and Daughter of Diana and Lucifer -- to the generations of magickal folklore, and the secrets of the ancient Wisdom Tradition, Italian Witch, psychic intuitive and anthropologist, Dr. F. Gianmichael Salvato takes us beyond the "witch wars" and arrogant claims of "authenticity", which has divided the community and added to a culture of misinformation, divisiveness and a false narrative about the rich and beautiful traditions of Stregoneria, and its contributions to the neo-pagan religions of modern Stregheria, Wicca, and New Age spirituality.

Genres: Spirituality

270 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2019

About the author

I'm an Author, Naturopathic Physician, Anthropologist, Witch, Alchemist, Intersectional Feminist, Luciferian, Herbalist, and Animist. He's also the face and mind behind the Inner Alchemy Movement and The Collective.

As a lifelong hereditary Witch, drawing on more than fifty years of personal study and practice, my practice draws deeply from the well of Sacred Wisdom of the Ancestors and Spirits beyond the veil, as part of the Sicilian Craft of the Wise.

I strive to live by these simple principles: personal responsibility, claiming his Power, speaking my truth (at all costs), living my truth (no matter the cost), following no creed, and always maintaining and respecting individual Sovereignty.

Reviews

[gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magick, Stregoneria, and Stregheria.

I absolutely loved this book! There were so many subjects within that helped me answer long buried questions I had carried with me about my family tradition. Dr. Salvato totally understands Witch Wars and shares his opinion to the benefit of the reader. I finally understand the difference between Stregoneria, and Stregheria. I loved the personal stories, so like my own, that he shares. A must read. I am off to find the rest of his writings. Enjoy!

[Angie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Confusing, rambling, with no real structure. There was no useful information for someone looking to learn about Italian folk magic or to create a personal practice.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like others in this thread, I purchased the book because I thought that the author sounded genuine and knowledgeable in interviews. I did not expect the book to be printed on demand, but I reserved judgement. I did learn some interesting historical perspectives, but the sloppy citations detracted from some of the “scholarly material.“ I made many notes for my learning and stuck with it to the bitter end (including the appendices). Ultimately, it’s an autobiography whose primary purpose is to prove the author’s authenticity as an ordained (retired) senior clergy of an arcane semi-Christian sect. I say cautiously that I think I’ve learned a lot.

[Marco · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was very excited to get this book after watching a few of his videos - boy was I disappointed - it reads more like an autobiography and its all over the place, mentions all these "secret" traditions and arcane societies but never actually explains any of them.
Literally states on the last page of his portion of the book that you'll have to buy his "next book" to find out about spells/rites/magick.
The last third of the book is nothing but a reprint of "Ways of the Strega" - which the author then trashes, He also trashes other writers and traditions, but claims to be "respectful" of their beliefs. There is no bibliography to back up is quotes or "opinions". No glossary, No index, calls himself a "doctor" but oddly in his lengthy bio doesn't mention the school(s) he attend. Its full of typos and grammatical errors - not worth the money. I would NEVER burn a book - but this one I used for kindling.