By Jeanne Kalogridis
ISBN -10:0-32-36843-7
St Martin’s Press
‘“Madame’, he said gently. “You and I understand each other well, I think – better than the rest of the world understands us. You and I see things others do not. Too much for our comfort.’” The words of Monsieur de Nostredame to Madame la Reine – Catherine de Medicis, Queen, Consort of Henry II, King of France 1519-1589 to Catherine during one of his visits before being removed for an astrologer.
The Devil’s Queen was fond of astrology and much of her life, Catherine De Medici practiced the art whenever possible. Her childhood friend, Cosimo Ruggieri, was the son of Bernozzo a physician and psychic. His date of birth is unknown, but appears to be about the same as Catherine and both are from Florence. Cosimo, the magician, would play a deep and abiding role in Cathrine’s entire ife. From amulets to spells, Cosimo watched over and loved Catherine from afar for most of his life.
This version of Catherine’s life is uniquely different from any other I could find. And the reviews, for the most part, failed to give Author Kalogridis credit for her unique approach to a much written subject.
Cosimo gave Catherine a black stone with a bit of greenery – the Wing of Corvus Resing held the power of the raven’s star and the wing would shelter her from harm. Although she died before Cosimo, Catherine depended on Cosimo for comfort, guidance, and the necessary spells to provide heirs, escape harm, and keep her family in power. Was the Saint Bartholemew massacre fate, or a result of Catherine’s actions? Read The Devil’s Queen and decide for yourself.