Italian Folk Magic: Rue’s Kitchen Witchery

In this illuminating guide to Italian folklore, Fahrun, a nurse, Reiki master, and lifelong collector of Italian family recipes, shares her zeal for preserving Italian heritage. Through intimate relationships with her aunts and grandmother, Fahrun began learning from an early age the essence of Italian folklore and magic, and the traditions that stemmed from those customs. The kitchen, in particular, became a training ground for Fahrun to learn which ingredients and foods were purported to heal certain ailments. She shares knowledge passed down over generations in clear language. For example, minestra di verdure (an Italian vegetable soup) is prescribed as “medicine for intestinal problems” and for skin infections she recommends rubbing the sensitive area with an ointment that is “one part garlic paste and two parts lard.” Fahrun also weighs in on the importance of dispelling malevolent spirits, such as malocchio (the evil eye), and suggests potential remedies, including the recitation of charms. Fahrun also briefly touches on the significance of amulets (items that repel bad luck and harm) and talismans (items that attract good luck) to Italian witchcraft. This fun book will be a great resource for readers looking to try out simple Italian recipes or learn about Italian folklore. (May)