You can not study folk magic without discussing the phenomenon the Italians call Malacchio, the Evil Eye. And while much has been said about this subversive spell online, I find it's been over generalized into a "look of envy." In my time as a student of traditional Stregheria, I've experienced this hex and tossed over a few rocks to discover Malacchio's wormy history. What I've taken away from this search is that the English, Wikipedia rehashing of the curse loses a few key notes in translation.
The Evil Eye is a harmful look of projection. It results in fatigue, dehydration, skin irritation and general misfortune. In rare cases, the Eye can result in death. Generally speaking, the Evil Eye is believed to derive from envy, but it can also be transmitted through any feeling projected by its caster. Often times, the person transmitting the Eye is doing so unconsciously. It's also believed that the Eye is drawn by excessive pride. Whether or not this is true, it is unethical to project. It reminds me of court case defenses you hear now and then that when a woman is dressing provocatively she is somehow "asking" to be raped, or inviting that kind of behavior. In theory, a person casting the Evil Eye is doing so because they feel the overly proud person is eliciting attention.
Is the Evil Eye a result of the person casting it's sensitivity and/or insecurities? It may not honestly matter. Jealousy, insecurity and piety will always be a part of our nature in a, "Let he among you who is without sin cast the first stone," kind of way. The best thing to do is to shield yourself from the Evil Eye's nature in the traditional ways our ancestors employed.
When it comes to Italians, the following amulets were applied:
The Cornuto or corno is better known as the Italian Horn. It is a popular charm worn by Italian Americans in coral, silver and gold. There are a variety of reasons attributed to its presence, each rooted in tradition. In its coral form it is used to repel the Evil Eye. The gold and silver forms are (as usual) speculated to date back to pagan times and the veneration of the lunar spirit Luna (the horns signifying those of the moon). In later times (if you're subscribing to that theory), it them would have been reintegrated into the adoration of Mary who is intimately linked with lunar iconagrapy. In my experience the gold form is worn by Italian Americans along with the cross.
And then, there is the Chimaruta. What can I say about the Chimaruta? It is a mystery. Scholars believe it is a totemic amulet intended to ward off witchcract and it's association, the Evil Eye. Neo Pagan author Raven Grimassi believes (with what basis I wonder?) that it represents the spirit Diana Triformis. The name Chimaruta literally means, "Sprig of rue," and the charm itself is cast in silver. Three branches, bearing totems, have the potential to break into smaller sub-branches. The truth probably lies closer to the scholarly theory, as the branching charms do seem to generate an external effect. What this effect is probably depends on the family or practicioner who wore it. Rue is a protective plant, and is also an herb applied intimately in Italian spells and rituals. The intended use most likely depends on the assortment of trinkets or totems mentioned earlier. Without historical basis, furthermore, we can not assume it had anything to do with Diana Triformis. The Chimatuta most likely belongs to the realm of family secrets and folk magic, not a suppressed Pagan cult.
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