Dreams, Folklore & Italian Folk Magic with Rose Inserra
There are moments when wisdom rises not from books alone, but from memory—ancestral, symbolic, and deeply felt. In this episode of Ask the Oracle with Suzy Cherub, I had the joy of sitting in sacred conversation with Rose Inserra, published author, dream expert, and wise woman of Italian folklore.
Rose’s work bridges psychology, spirituality, and cultural tradition, reminding us that dreams and folklore are not relics of the past—they are living languages still speaking to us today.
Remembering Through Dreams
Dreams have fascinated humanity since the beginning of time. Across cultures, they have been seen as messages from the soul, the ancestors, and the unseen realms. Rose shares why dream interpretation continues to resonate so deeply, drawing from her decades of study and her popular appearances on Radio 2SM, where listeners regularly call in seeking meaning behind the symbols that visit them in sleep.
Rather than offering rigid interpretations, Rose invites us to view dreams as deeply personal conversations—ones shaped by emotion, memory, culture, and intuition. Dreams, she explains, are one of the most accessible ways spirit speaks to us.
The World of Italian Folk Magic
Rose’s latest book, The World of Italian Folk Magic, is a powerful reclamation of ancestral wisdom. Rooted in her Italian heritage, the book explores herbal lore, household magic, protective rituals, and beliefs passed down through generations—often quietly, and often through women.
In our conversation, Rose reflects on how this work has been embraced by the Italian diaspora, particularly younger generations seeking to reconnect with the traditions of their grandparents. The book has also found a home among modern witches and spiritual seekers drawn to Mediterranean folk practices and earth-based magic.
This revival of folk magic is not about nostalgia—it’s about remembering who we are and where we come from.
The Power of the Evil Eye
One of the most fascinating threads we explore is the evil eye—a belief that transcends borders, religions, and centuries. Rose explains why this symbol of protection remains so potent today, especially in times of uncertainty and energetic overwhelm.
Far from superstition, the evil eye serves as a reminder of energetic awareness, intention, and spiritual protection. It is a symbol carried through culture, family, and story—a quiet guardian woven into everyday life.
Folklore as Living Wisdom
Throughout the episode, Rose speaks beautifully about folklore as a living, breathing body of wisdom. These stories, rituals, and symbols are not meant to sit on shelves—they are meant to be lived, adapted, and honoured in modern life.
By reconnecting with folklore and dreamwork, we begin to reclaim parts of ourselves that may have been forgotten or silenced. We step back into relationship with our ancestors, our intuition, and the unseen threads that guide us.
What’s Next for Rose
Rose also shares glimpses of her upcoming projects, continuing her lifelong devotion to storytelling, education, and spiritual exploration. Whether through books, workshops, or media appearances, her work remains rooted in empowerment, curiosity, and cultural remembrance.
A Final Reflection
This episode is an invitation—to listen to your dreams, to honour the stories passed down through blood and bone, and to trust the quiet magic that lives within everyday life.
As Rose reminds us, ancestral wisdom has never left us. It simply waits for us to remember.
✨ Connect with Rose Inserra
🌐 Website: https://roseinserra.com
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roseinserra
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inserrarose/
📻 Radio 2SM – Nightline: https://2sm.com.au/shows/cheralyn-darcey/