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lucy_can_in_fact_read's review
informative
medium-paced
3.75
I think what you get out of this book depends on your expectations of it before you pick it up. As a piece of history, a good few of this collection’s poems and stories are interesting to read. However, due to some of the more problematic aspects of the writing (see content warning below), if you picked this book up as an enjoyable read you will likely be disappointed.
There is also the fact that the authenticity of the text has always been questioned, as to whether these stories were really provided by Maddelena or simply made up by Leland. Furthermore, even if Maddelena provided this collection, whether it actually represents Italian goddess religion as a whole or simply her own families traditions. If the latter of which is true, I feel there is still value in the tales she has reportedly conveyed.
Despite all this, overall I enjoyed some of these stories immensely and have learnt more about Italian Witchcraft and it’s goddesses than before, despite not being a fan of its allusions to more concerning subjects. Knowing that this collection has had a major impact on Neo Paganism and Witchcraft, I feel it is still worth a read.
There is also the fact that the authenticity of the text has always been questioned, as to whether these stories were really provided by Maddelena or simply made up by Leland. Furthermore, even if Maddelena provided this collection, whether it actually represents Italian goddess religion as a whole or simply her own families traditions. If the latter of which is true, I feel there is still value in the tales she has reportedly conveyed.
Despite all this, overall I enjoyed some of these stories immensely and have learnt more about Italian Witchcraft and it’s goddesses than before, despite not being a fan of its allusions to more concerning subjects. Knowing that this collection has had a major impact on Neo Paganism and Witchcraft, I feel it is still worth a read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Incest and Rape
Minor: Antisemitism
aemy's review
1.0
I was excited to read this, but ultimately disappointed. I went into this book knowing that it was highly influential in the construction of Wicca and that its claims to be an accurate/anthropological presentation of an Italian witch cult were false, so I only hoping to be entertained and I just wasn't. If you are looking for something amazing about a real Italian witch, I suggest reading this http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20170906-the-last-surviving-sea-silk-seamstress
calissa's review
1.0
Purportedly a historical record of the ancient practices of Italian witches, Leland's fingerprints are visible all over it. Full of half-baked mythology and coercive magic.
maryshelley's review
3.0
"And because thou for ever art brilliant and fair,
Under a glass I will keep thee; while there,
With a lens I will study thy secrets concealed,
Till all their bright mysteries are fully revealed,
Yea, all the wondrous lore perplexed
Of this life of our cross and of the next.
Thus to all mysteries I shall attain,
Yea, even to that at last of the grain;
And when this at last I shall truly know,
Firefly, freely I'll let thee go!
When Earth's dark secrets are known to me,
My blessing at last I will give to thee!"
Aside from the chapter where there's a literal incantation for men to rape woman and then erase their memories about the event, it's not bad.
I loved to read the incantantions though I prefer my magic without bad connotations to it period. No blackmailing goddesses or wishing bad things upon my enemies.
The witch lore was great. I want to read more on the subject for sure.
Under a glass I will keep thee; while there,
With a lens I will study thy secrets concealed,
Till all their bright mysteries are fully revealed,
Yea, all the wondrous lore perplexed
Of this life of our cross and of the next.
Thus to all mysteries I shall attain,
Yea, even to that at last of the grain;
And when this at last I shall truly know,
Firefly, freely I'll let thee go!
When Earth's dark secrets are known to me,
My blessing at last I will give to thee!"
Aside from the chapter where there's a literal incantation for men to rape woman and then erase their memories about the event, it's not bad.
I loved to read the incantantions though I prefer my magic without bad connotations to it period. No blackmailing goddesses or wishing bad things upon my enemies.
The witch lore was great. I want to read more on the subject for sure.
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