Aradia-just wondering?

[CleftOfLight]

besides Charles Leland where did you (Raven Grimassi) get your information on Aradia? And are there other books that talk about her?And will you ever write a detailed book yourself about her?I am asking because I find Lelands book so lacking in actual informatin.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely
Cleft Of Light

[raven grimassi]

besides Charles Leland where did you (Raven Grimassi) get your information on Aradia? And are there other books that talk about her?And will you ever write a detailed book yourself about her?I am asking because I find Lelands book so lacking in actual informatin.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely
Cleft Of Light

You are quite correct in stating that a lack exists regarding sources for Aradia. I have used Leland's material as a "meeting place of familiarity" in order to present additional teachings to readers at large. Most of the material that I draw upon comes from oral tradition taken directly from native Italians (mostly in their 80s now) who share a lineage with the older material prior to Leland's published writings.

Many people seem to feel that a lack of documentation regarding Aradia means that she did not/could not have existed. If such an argument was "imperical truth" then Christianity would be in big trouble. Both Jesus and Aradia share a substantial lack of evidence for their actual existence.

In Aradia's case we have possible connections outside of Italy, such as the Serbian cult of "Arada" featuring several key aspects that parallel Aradia and the goddess Diana. You can find more info on this in my books - Italian Witchcraft, and in Hereditary Witchcraft.

Regarding future works of mine related to Aradia, yes I am nearing the end of a compilation of Leland's work on Italian Witchcraft. New research on Aradia will be included.

Best regards - Raven

[CleftOfLight]

I was just wondering are there any other note worthy italian witches worth looking into?
I have your book on Italian witchcraft,and it is very interesting.The only thing that puzzled me was reincarnation because isnt that more of an eastern thought than western?
thank you for your time.

[raven grimassi]

I was just wondering are there any other note worthy italian witches worth looking into? I have your book on Italian witchcraft,and it is very interesting.The only thing that puzzled me was reincarnation because isnt that more of an eastern thought than western?
thank you for your time.

Actually the theory of reincarnation was one of the ancient Greek philosophies, and was called "palingenesis" which means "to have origin again." Plato refers to reincarnation in several of his ancient writings, as does Pythagoras. Greek philosophy was introduced to the Romans in 155 BCE by the Greek philosopher Critolaus, and so here it enters what is now Italy.

We also know that this philosophy appeared among the ancient Druids in the Bristish Isles. But, of course, it also appears in Eastern mysticism as well.

There are few other authors who write in English on the topic of Italian Witchcraft. The late Leo Martello wrote a little bit on Sicilian Witchcraft. But for now at least, people are pretty much stuck with me.

Best regards - Raven

[CleftOfLight]

Did aradia heal people? And if so by what way did she heal?

[raven grimassi]

Did aradia heal people? And if so by what way did she heal?

According to the oral tradition and the teachings that have been passed on, yes, Aradia was a healer. If we use the material that now resides in the traditions that believe in a lineage connection to Aradia, we can say that the healing methods were largely herbal and spiritual.

Healers of any given era tend to heal within the cultural norms for the most part. Take for example the legendary figure Jesus. According to the material passed on (New Testament) he used common healing methods of the day. One example is spit mixed with soil, which was pasted over the eyes. Reportedly he also used something spiritual or energy related, for in the book of Mark it is said that Jesus "felt the power" go out of him into a woman who touched him in hopes of being healed. This is the classic spiritual healing power of the Avatar figure. Aradia can be seen in a similar light.

Best regards - Raven