The essence of Stregheria are the spirits of the Lare and the Lasa. The Lare are centered on the family and its doings and have strong ties to actual ancestors. The Lasa are less 'domestic' and their roots are in all of humanity. In early Etruscan times, the Lasa were female deities and guardians of graves, similar to the Fates. Overtime, the Lasa began to be seen as nature spirits, those which had once been human, now moving on through their spiritual evolution.

During the 6th century BC, Servius Tullius, then ruler of the Etruscan region, formed strong ties with Rome, encouraging hospitality and friendship on both sides, and also recognizing the Goddess Diana. This in turn led to acceptance and incorporation of Etruscan beliefs into Roman society, and the concept of the Lare and the Lasa formed a central part of La Vecchia Religione. This "Old Religion" did not survive the coming of christianity except in myth and superstition,however in the fourteenth century, a woman named Aradia brought about the revival of the old ways, and a time of persecution began again. The Italian Inquisition only tried about 500 witches in 100 years, which made it relatively benign by the standards of the time.

There is a legend, from Tuscany which says that Aradia was the daughter of Diana and Lucifer (who's name means the "light bearer"). After dwelling in heaven for apart of her life, Aradia's mother sent her down to earth to teach the arts of magick to all Witches of the human race. When her purpose was completed, she was called back to the heavens and bestowed with the power to grant the desires of worthy witches who invoked her.

Some that follow the Stregherian way consider Aradia to be a lunar diety and invoke her at full moon Esbats and other rituals. It is said that Aradia can grant a Witch the abilities to heal the sick, communicate with the dead, foresee the future, and bless friends.

Today she has been revived in the formation of the Aridian Tradition, which is a formalizing of Stregheria. In the Aradian tradition,there are three degrees of learning. The Book of Ways is copied as the initiates learn, in much the same way as the Book of Shadows. Each requires the mastery of certain aspects of The Old Religion, and the copying of material from the Book of Ways. The length of time it takes to move through the degrees is not cast in stone, but is dependent on the aptitude, effort and attainment of the initiates as perceived by their teachers.

Aridian is not the only tradition of Stregheria. Others include: