Italian Folk Magic Oracle, by Rose Inserra with illustrations by Coni Curi
Rockpool Publishing, 1922468002, 128 pages, 36 cards, November 2026
As an Italian-American, I love learning about folk magic from my heritage. From the moment I heard about Italian Folk Magic Oracle by Rose Inserra with illustrations by Coni Curi, I knew it would be one I’d add to my collection. From protective charms and herbal remedies to sacred figures and seasonal celebrations, the deck celebrates and shares guidance from generations of Italian folklore and ancestral wisdom
Inserra brings a personal connection to these traditions. Born in Italy and raised with an appreciation for the natural world, food, herbs, and family customs, she draws upon her Italian heritage to introduce readers to the spiritual practices of her ancestors. For those interested in learning more about what’s featured on these oracle cards, I suggest her previous book, The World of Italian Folk Magic, which explores these traditions in greater depth.
The first thing I did when opening the box was looking through the cards. From Saints to The Spider Dance, I was glad to see that Inserra captures the intersection of folk Catholicism, ancient pagan traditions, and regional spiritual practices that characterize aspects of Italian folk magic. Figures such as Saint Michael, Hecate, and Diana appear alongside the protective Evil Eye and The Black Madonna, offering an introduction to the diverse spiritual influences that have shaped Italian magical traditions through time and place.
The artwork by Curi especially fits the theme of the deck. Known for its art and frescos, Italian art has a distinct style, and Curi does a great job of highlighting the culture within her imagery. Her distinctive vintage-inspired style creates an atmosphere that feels simultaneously mystical and richly symbolic. Ornate borders frame detailed scenes filled with flowers, foliage, celestial imagery, and figures whose clothing and surroundings evoke a feeling of being connected to those that have come before, a cultural nostalgia. Meanwhile, the name of the card is at the bottom, while there’s keywords related to the meaning of the card at the top.
The color palette also contributes to this aesthetic. Warm golden yellows, deep botanical greens, muted reds, and earthy browns establish a sense of antiquity, while carefully placed brighter colors bring energy and movement to the compositions. Decorative patterns and intricate details along the border give the cards an elegant quality without overshadowing the central illustration. And oh how gorgeous the illustrations are, ranging from the witches of Benevento dancing around a tree to a woman riding a broomstick for the card Flying Ointment. I feel like browsing the illustrations is like walking through a museum.
As for the guidebook, Inserra offers a short introduction along with a few card spreads. For each card, there’s the name in both English and Italian at the top. There’s also an image of cards and keywords. The next section is the meaning, where Inserra provides meaningful guidance related to the energy of the card. Finally, there’s a folk wisdom section, which details the significance of the card, and a mantra.
As an example, the card I pulled today was Olive Oil. I simply love the image on the card, featuring a woman with her eyes closed, a bottle and dish filled with olive oil in front of her and a hand anointing her forehead. The key words for this card are “Longevity, vitality, healing”. Within the guidebook, Inserra writes:
“The Olive Oil card is asking you to recognize your own sovereignty and follow your spiritual path. You are encouraged to trust that the universe will return what you give abundance.”1
The folk wisdom about olive oil details how it’s long been used for protection, health, and blessings. I appreciate how the card makes me so much more attune to the magic in something I use daily.
While I haven’t pulled it yet, another card I love in the deck is The Christmas Witch. La Befana, the witch who brings candy on the eve of the Epiphany, is one of my favorite traditions to share with my family.
My favorite thing about this deck is how it makes me feel close to my ancestors and reminds me of family memories. For those who are interested in ancestral magic, using an oracle deck based on your heritage is a great way to foster connection. The Italian themes of heritage, protection, nourishment, and belonging really come through in this deck.
Ultimately, Italian Folk Magic Oracle stands out for its celebration of a magical tradition deeply connected to home, nature, family, and cultural heritage. Inserra’s magical perspective and Curi’s rich artwork complement one another, creating a deck that feels both historically meaningful and relevant to modern spiritual practice.
I highly recommend this deck for those interested in folk witchcraft, ancestral spirituality, and the magic of everyday living, particularly if you are of Italian heritage. This oracle is a great reminder that the traditions and everyday practices that continue today connect us to those who have come before, encouraging readers to explore their relationship with ancestral heritage.
Alanna Kali is an astrologer, numerologist, and pioneer spirit that loves to explore life through the lens of depth psychology. She has a passion for studying the humanities and social trends. Her academic work is centered upon reuniting body, mind, and spirit through eco-psychology. She loves reading, spending time in nature, and travel.