Why am I passionate about this?
I’m a fantasy writer and Christian witch with over 10 years of research, practice, and passion under my hat. Discovering the fantastical concept of “real world” magic as a youth—and the ways in which the institutions in power have tried so hard to stamp it out, despite it being an undeniable part of our cultural and spiritual psyche—has inspired me to explain all I know in my fantasy and seek out all the magic and wonder in my reality. After all, our fantasy stories must get their inspiration from the real world—from all the magic, mysticism, and struggle hidden under the pretty face of mainstream religion.
Sara's book list on bringing folk, magic, and fantasy off the page
Why did Sara love this book?
Like Mlakar’s book, this book reveals old folk traditions, but in a more explicitly stated and conversational way. For anyone with Italian ancestry who wants to look at the ways that old folk religion hides, adapts, and stays alive under the dominant religion of the area, this is an incredible read—and whether you’re a writer or a witch or both, you’ll find a lot of inspiration from it.
Say what you will about whether or not magic is real: this book reminds us that we’re not all so different from our fantasies—that our imaginations are as real as anything else, and that the world around us brims with power, even if it’s just the power to shift our mindset to look at our situation a different way.
1 author picked Italian Folk Magic as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.
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…
- Coming soon!