Advanced Italian Witchcraft Summer Term 2026: Magic, Mayhem & Mastery

I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Summer 2026 graduates of Advanced Italian Witchcraft! This transformative course takes witches from an intermediate understanding of the craft into truly advanced practice. What makes this class so unique is that the students divide themselves into two teams according to their personal values: the Benandanti (Team B) and the Malandanti (Team M). From there, the competition begins! Throughout the semester, the teams competed in divination, spells, books, and an astral race, earning points along the way. And this semester was nothing short of extraordinary. Both teams went above and beyond, collectively performing HUNDREDS of spells! What began as an astral race ultimately became a full magical battle, with each side casting spells against the other. These witches were so skilled, so different in their approaches, and yet so evenly matched that the astral race ended in a tie. Team B claimed victories in the Healing Spell, Divination, and Changing the Weather competitions, while Team M took the Malefic Spell competition. The Books competition also ended in a tie.

And then came the final tally. Team B finished with a record-setting 558 points, while Team M finished with a highly respectable 214 points. But numbers alone don't tell the story of this semester. I recently met with Headmaster Aly and the Advanced Italian Witches for their final class and had the privilege of listening to what they learned throughout their journey. They spoke of gaining a deeper connection to culture, spirits, and ancestors, and of rediscovering the sheer joy of the craft. For some, this course provided something they had been searching for all along—the feeling that they could finally, fully embrace being a witch. Even those who continue to practice as solitary witches recognized the tremendous benefits of community and coven work: having someone to clarify a spell, sharing knowledge and techniques, increasing the power of a working, asking questions, creating accountability, and simply sharing the journey of their lives with other witches.

This course has truly transformed them all. They didn't simply learn more spells; they deepened their relationships with the Craft, with one another, and with the traditions and spirits that surround their practice. So, to every witch who has not yet taken Advanced Italian Witchcraft: my challenge to you is to do it next year. And to all of our past graduates, I challenge you to come back and take it again. Imagine what could happen if we put all of these witches together for the astral race! Congratulations, Summer 2026 graduates—you have earned every point, every spell, every competition, and every bit of magic you created along the way. Well done, witches!