Strigoii is a Romanian term that refers to nightflying witches.
- Romanian is one of the Romance languages descended from Latin; the word comes from strix and is more akin to the ancient Latin term's evil, birdlike connotations than to contemporary Italian strega.
- Women born with a caul were thought to be more prone to become strigoii, particularly if they were also blue-eyed and red-haired.
The strong negative image of the strigoii may stem from Christian views of old traditions and female practitioners in this area of the globe; being born with a caul seems to imply shamanic or magical abilities.
- Strigoii congregate in woods and cemeteries.
- Strigoii never die fully; they are buried with just their right eye closed.
- The left eye, which is on the dark side, is always open and vigilant.
- The strigoii will not be killed if nine spindles are thrown into their tomb, but they will be prevented from rising again.
Widdershins is also mentioned in WOMEN'S MYSTERIES: Spinning.
You may also want to read more about Paganism here.
Be sure to check out my writings on Religion here.
