NEW! Escape to Umbria, Italy! May 20 - 27, 2027
Ancestral Folk Magick Retreat
Italy isn't shy when it comes to folk magick traditions. Neither is the rest of the world! This course will explore a variety of folk traditions through the ages including Italian, Celtic, Northern European & American.
This unique workshop focuses on the folk practices and traditions used by our ancestors from pre-Christian times through to the modern era.
Course highlights
Experience daily immersive lessons with expert tutelage in a fun and relaxed style. Lessons are held in the garden, cozy living space, on sleepy lanes and in remote areas of charming villages.
The workshop portion of your adventure in Italy delves into:
- How magick was ingrained in daily life and used through the ages,
- What caused the witch hysteria,
- Folk customs going underground and adapted into Catholicism,
- The tools and symbols commonly used to avert evil and wickedness,
- How seasonal celebrations became the holidays celebrated today,
- Magickal plants and their historic uses,
- How to incorporate folk magick into your daily life.
- Bonus! Optional private psychic readings with Jeanette during free time.
Your Village - Vallo di Nera in Umbria, Italy
Take a step back in time on our all-inclusive journey!
The 800 year old stone-walled fortress village of Vallo di Nera, hidden away in the Province of Perugia, has talented artisans, authentic family-run restaurants and friendly neighbors that your personal Italian-American guide, Jessica Vecchione, will introduce you to during your stay.
Explore quiet lanes that open to expansive views of lush countryside nestled in the Nera River Valley. This region is affectionately called the Green Heart of Italy.
Your stay - Casa Della Zia in Vallo di Nera
Guests stay in Jessica's private home or the cozy village hotel (3 min. walk) and discover authentic Italian living in the tranquility of Casa Della Zia, a traditional stone home with exquisite old-world craftmanship. It's the perfect blend of elegance and comfort for you to create unforgettable memories and immerse yourself in the daily life and culture of this ancient village. Your adventure includes:
- Rome airport transfers,
- Accommodations in Jessica's home,
- Meals and beverages (including alcohol),
- Open coffee tab at Bordone Cafe in Vallo di Nera
- Excursions and admission fees,
- Bonus! You don't need to know Italian - Jessica is our translator.
Not included: airfare, personal purchases out & about and dinner on our last evening out on the town.
Tours, Excursions & Activities
Tour rustic towns like Spoleto, Bevagna, Todi, Trevi, Scheggino
- Experience ancient and historical sites including the piazza where the first woman healer was tried and executed for witchcraft and visit a garden planted in her memory,
- Feast on local cuisine, fresh handmade meals and regional drinks, maybe an olive oil or wine tasting,
- Venture down quiet lanes in Vallo di Nera to view magickal herbs still growing in the landscape,
- Watch & eat focaccia made in a 200 year old wood-fired oven at Casa Della Zia,
- Immerse yourself in a hands-on Italian cooking class where we eat what we make & take home the recipes.
Every corner turned reveals vibrant, wholesome, unforgettable and out-of-this-world deliciousness for the body, mind and soul.
Plus, there's personal time for:
- Shopping,
- Hiking,
- Exploring the village and nearby towns,
- An optional empowering psychic reading from Jeanette,
- Relaxing in the rural Umbrian countryside!
All within the stunning region of Umbria, the green heart of Italy.
2027 Itinerary coming soon!
Your Instructor
Your Instructor
Your Instructor
Workshop is led by Sicilian-American Jeanette "Jet" Platania-Harper, a hereditary witch & psychic and accomplished artist. Her spiritual practice focuses on her familial training, folk magick, honoring her ancestors and the Greco-Sicilian goddess Hekate. Jeanette owns Aunt Jet's, an enchanted emporium, in Delhi NY.
Your Hostess
Your Instructor
Your Instructor
Jessica Vecchione, is an
Italian-American who's family is from, and still resides in, Umbria, Italy. Jessica's spent many summers throughout her life in Umbria so she knows all the cool places to visit. Jessica's your hostess, guide, driver, translator and the owner of Casa della Zia in Vallo di Nera.
The Workshop - An Immersive & Transformative Experience
NOTE: This is for the workshop portion only. Visit umbriacasa.com to book your stay (link below).
The Folk Magick retreat is for the curious to experienced practitioners of the Old Ways.
Class size is kept small (4 to 10 people) so you have a more positive learning environment. You'll have an abundance of individual attention and enhanced engagement with your teacher so you feel like you're getting one-on-one lessons.
You'll gain confidence and an understanding of folk magick so you can develop your own practice at home.
Lessons are held a few hours each day except the days of arrival and departure.
Workshop Deposit: $250 is due by March 1st, 2027 to secure a reservation. Save by booking by one of the Early Bird dates! This deposit is composed of a non-refundable reservation fee of $100.
Workshop Balance: $500 may be paid in one (1), two (2) or four (4) installments and is due March 31, 2027.
Workshop Materials Fee: $0. Supplies necessary during the class are included.
Workshop Cancellation Policy: More than 45 days prior to the trip will result in a full refund of the paid workshop price (less the non-refundable reservation fee of $100 and less 4% as compensation for all credit card merchant fees, if paid by card); within 45 days of the trip will result in forfeiture of payment(s). If your spot can be filled from the wait list, you will be refunded (less the non-refundable reservation fee and card fees) only after a new student has paid.
Trip Insurance: Student is required to secure travel insurance. This usually costs about $50-75.
SAVE - Early Bird Signup Specials are listed below!
Got Questions?
We've got answers! Schedule an in-person or a 15 minute Zoom chat with us today.
Waitlist:
When the workshop is full, you can go on the waitlist and be contacted in the event a spot opens. You will be given 24 hours to respond before your spot will be given to the next person on the list.
Wanna Go?
Take advantage of an Early Bird Signup Special (below)!
Book your stay with Casa Della Zia (below).