Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
A complete, consise and fascinating read, 17 May 2003
Never have I read such an in-depth book on The Old Ways, Diana, Dianus or Aradia. The book covers everything one could possibly need to know. Unfortunately, my mother does not look kindly on these sorts of things, nor is she understanding, so she took my book away. However, I remember a great deal, for it easy to absorb every piece of information in this book- it is not easy to forget such a remarkable work!
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2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
Wonderful, 25 Oct 2001
By A Customer
This book is an excellent blend of lore, history, and mythology, fully supported by excerpts from ancient historians, witch trial transcripts, and the writings of several prominent folklorists. A reviewer has suggested that Grimassi made up the system he writes on, however the documentation of a well established 19th century tradition of Italian Witchcraft is quite evident in the research material contained within Grimassi's book.Italy, like most regions of Europe, has many diverse folk traditions and beliefs. For example, the traditions of Witchcraft on the island of Sicily historcially differ from the traditions on mainland Italy, as do many folk beliefs and practices. No one can reasonably lay claim to the One True path of Italian Witchcraft. Grimassi certainly does not, but simply writes on the tradition he knows best. Some critics claim that Grimassi's material is Gardnerian Wicca with Italian seasoning. However, anyone of reasonable intelligence (and not buried in their own agenda) will easily see the compelling counter evidence presented in Grimassi's book. Grimassi demonstrates that many of the so-called Gardnerian aspects of Wicca are found half a century earlier than the writings of Gardner. Grimassi draws on the 19th century writings of several key folklorists who wrote on Italian Witchcraft, fully documenting a pre-Gardnerian system of Witchcraft
that resembles modern Wicca. Like any credible author, Grimassi has pointed out revisions to his earlier work, stating that he wished to reveal more information in a less watered-down version as time passed. I think the author is to be applauded for his openess and willingness to share, instead of hiding behind claims of unspoken secrets he knows of but cannot speak of. In Grimassi's book he focuses on Diana and Dianus as the deity forms for the ritual work contained in the text. First century BC writings, such as those of Horace, Lucan and Ovid, speak of Diana and Proserpina, often equating them as one and the same deity. The descent of the moon beneath the horizon was symbolic of the descent of the goddess into the Underworld, linking the goddesses together. Grimassi does an excellent job of gathering the ancient myths and legends into one cohesive system for modern practice. This is a great book and a must read for anyone seriously interested in the Old Religion. The appendices alone are worth buying the book!
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1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
Too Llewellyn for my liking!, 3 Aug 2001
By A Customer
I picked up this book originally as I was looking for more detail about the history and international development of witchcraft as a personal belief system rather than a "religion". I was a bit disappointed to find that the exclusive HEREDITARY aspect of witchcraft is emphasised making non-hereditary "witches" feel a bit marginalised. Otherwise it has some interesting content, eg: how to build a lasa shrine, and a few incantations. However, still very much Italian oriented, and made me question "How hereditary is withcraft or 'the Blood' anyway?". Good from the general interest point of view, but disappointing if one wants to do more than skim the surface.
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