Research: «Under this Crescent Moon». Spells, rituals, magical-religious practices and spiritual activism in Neopaganism as peacebuilding, peacemaking and peacekeeping strategies.
PhD student in Peace Studies, Curriculum 2 "Identities, Memories, Religions, and Peace", with a research project titled "«Under this Crescent Moon». Spells, Rituals, Magical-Religious Practices, and Spiritual Activism in Neopaganism as Peacebuilding, Peacemaking, and Peacekeeping Strategies", supported by a scholarship funded by the Department of History, Anthropology, Religions, Art, and Performing Arts at Sapienza University of Rome. Graduated with honors in Ethno-Anthropological Disciplines (LM-1) at Sapienza University of Rome, with a master's thesis in Anthropology of Religions titled "Materia Magica. Ritual Tools, Liminal Bodies, and Sacred Spaces in Contemporary Wicca. The Case Study of the Temple of Ara Tradition in Italy". Previously I obtneied a Bachelor's Degree in Linguistic and Intercultural Mediation (L-12) at Sapienza University of Rome and I graduated in theatre directing at the National Academy of Dramatic Arts "Silvio d'Amico" in Rome (DADPL03).
I am currently focused on the study of new religious and spiritual movements, with particular attention to so-called Neopaganism, from an anthropological perspective. My research emphasizes topics such as Lived Religion, Designer Religion, Material Religion, and Embodied Religion. Although the study of Neopaganism is not entirely absent, it remains underexplored in many Italian institutions and I believe there is a strong need to promote and deepen Pagan Studies as a research field. My goal is to contribute to the development of this subject by examining Neopagan practices and beliefs through an analysis that highlights their social, cultural, and political relevance. Specifically, my interest focuses on Neopagan practices in relation to Peace Studies, examining how minority religions and spiritualities, often marginalized and misunderstood, can serve as positive models for social intervention. In many of these communities, religious and spiritual practices are not only tools of resilience but also true peace strategies. I am interested in exploring how spiritual activism can become an effective means of overcoming discrimination and prejudice, particularly against religious groups that are considered suspicious or ridiculous by mainstream society. From this perspective, I believe that Neopagan communities, while in a vulnerable position, possess immense potential to positively influence the creation of positive peace. Their participation in social and interreligious dialogue, respect for differences, and inclusivity can contribute to authentic reconciliation and a vision of peace that, in addition to addressing the important issue of ending armed conflict, also promotes the search for and harmonious coexistence of diversity, balance, and harmony with all forms of life.