Stregheria, (La Vecchia Religione), also know as the Old Religion, is Italian witchcraft. The tradition began in the mid-14th Century with the teachings of Aradia, the Holy Strega. This was based upon a much earlier system of beliefs, dating back to the pre-Etruscian Italians. It is a worship of the “Source of All Things”, through the personification of the Goddess and God.
There are many things that are similar between Stregheria & Wicca. Strega uses nature in all of its teachings. Nature is considered the “Great Teacher”. There is a deep history based upon Aradia’s teachings, as well as a prophecy given to us in the Mythos, which speaks of the coming “Age of Daughter”, when reason will rule.
The Stregan view of the afterlife is that we return to the Realm of Luna as the moon waxes, and return to Earth as the moon wanes. When we are ready, we pass through the Sun to be made into our new bodies for our return to the Stars. We have the Grigori, who are the Watchers, and Guardians over our rites. And the Grimas, who keep the traditions pure and continuing. The Lare are the spirits of our ancestors, whom we worship and call upon for help and aid. Family and tradition are of utmost importance, and this is what gives this Tradition its strength and power.
The reference to the 14th Century is a reference to the teachings of Aradia and to the Stregheria tradition. It is not meant to say that Stregheria is a product of the 14th Century or that all Streghe in Italy follow the same tradition founded by Aradia in the 14th Century. Stregheria in Italy goes back way before pre-Christian times and there are many Streghe in Italy and the US who follow traditions that have nothing to do with Aradia de Toscano. Stregheria has many differences from Wicca. Their festa’s for example follow a slightly different mythos from that of Wicca.
If you want to know more about the Stegheria Italian witchcraft, here is a comprehensive article about this (Stegheria Beliefs)
