Cimaruta.
The cimaruta, also known as cima di ruta, is a detailed amulet with deep roots in Italian folk magic and witchcraft. Its name means “a sprig of rue,” which is the herb at the center of its design.
The cimaruta is closely linked to Italian stregoneria, or witchcraft, and is believed to have origins that go back to pre-Christian times. Its history is connected to the worship of Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt, the moon, and wild nature. Diana was often regarded as the queen of Italian witches.
An illustration of the cimaruta can be found in this book, highlighting its complex and symbolic appearance. Traditionally, the cimaruta is made from silver, a metal considered sacred to Diana. The amulet features a branching sprig of rue, decorated with various charms.
Rue, or Ruta graveolens—sometimes called the Herb of Grace—has long been valued for its protective and purifying qualities. In Italian folklore, both rue and vervain are thought to be especially pleasing to Diana, and they are often used in magical practices and amulets.
The cimaruta’s design is filled with symbolism. Along with the sprig of rue, it often includes the five-petalled flower of vervain, which stands for healing and spiritual strength; the waning moon, a symbol for banishing negative influences; a key, representing Hecate, the goddess of magic and crossroads; and a fish, an ancient symbol of fertility and protection.
In the nineteenth century, the cimaruta was fairly common in southern Italy, especially in communities where folk beliefs and the “Old Religion” continued alongside Catholicism. Today, the amulet is less widely recognized, even among Italians. Some may not know it, possibly because of the ongoing stigma around witchcraft and the secretive nature of these traditions.
The main purpose of the cimaruta is to show devotion to the witch goddess by wearing her favored herbs and symbols. It acts as both a protective talisman and a sign of spiritual identity, believed to bring good luck and guard against harm.
One of the cimaruta’s most important roles is to protect against the malocchio, or Evil Eye. This belief is common in Mediterranean cultures, where the Evil Eye is thought to cause misfortune or illness through envy or ill will. The cimaruta, with its powerful symbols, is used as a shield against this threat.
Today, the cimaruta remains a strong symbol of Italian magical heritage. It connects modern practitioners to centuries of tradition, folklore, and the mysteries of the Old Religion. Its detailed form and layered meanings continue to inspire those seeking protection, good fortune, and a deeper spiritual connection.
