The Hermit: Solitude and Wisdom in British Literature and Daily Life

The Hermit: Solitude and Wisdom in British Literature and Daily Life

Introduction to Hermitage in the British ContextThroughout the centuries, the figure of the hermit has held a unique place within British culture and imagination. Whether tucked away in medieval forests or living quietly at the edge of bustling villages, hermits have appeared in folklore, literature, and rural traditions as both objects of curiosity and sources…
Aleister Crowley, The Golden Dawn, and Their Impact on Tarot in the UK

Aleister Crowley, The Golden Dawn, and Their Impact on Tarot in the UK

Introduction to Aleister Crowley and The Golden DawnWhen discussing the tapestry of British esoteric traditions, two names stand out as foundational: Aleister Crowley and the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Both have become synonymous with the evolution of occult practice in the United Kingdom, particularly as it pertains to tarot. Aleister Crowley, often dubbed…
Strength Card: Courage, Compassion, and Icons of British Resilience

Strength Card: Courage, Compassion, and Icons of British Resilience

Defining Strength: British Perspectives on Courage and CompassionWhen we think of the concept of strength in the British context, what immediately springs to mind isn’t always the loud or overt display of bravery so often celebrated elsewhere. Instead, strength in Britain is intimately tied to a quiet, steadfast courage and an enduring sense of compassion.…
From Stonehenge to the High Street: British Historical Influences on Your Daily Tarot Practice

From Stonehenge to the High Street: British Historical Influences on Your Daily Tarot Practice

Setting the Scene: Britains Mystical LandscapeWhen one thinks of Britain’s most iconic landscapes, images of ancient stone circles shrouded in mist and rolling green hills punctuated by mysterious monuments instantly spring to mind. From Stonehenge to Glastonbury Tor, and the enigmatic avenues of Avebury, these legendary sites are more than mere tourist attractions—they are living…
The Symbolism Within Early Tarot Decks: Art, Meaning, and Influence

The Symbolism Within Early Tarot Decks: Art, Meaning, and Influence

Origins of Tarot ImageryThe origins of tarot imagery are deeply entwined with the artistic and cultural currents flowing through early Europe, particularly during the late Middle Ages and Renaissance. As tarot cards first emerged in the 15th century, their designs were heavily influenced by the visual language found in illuminated manuscripts and religious iconography of…
From Game to Divination: The Transformation of Tarot Across Centuries

From Game to Divination: The Transformation of Tarot Across Centuries

Origins of Tarot: A Medieval GameTo understand the extraordinary journey of Tarot, one must first return to its earliest chapters amidst the grandeur and intrigue of medieval Europe. Long before Tarot became synonymous with divination and mysticism, its cards graced the hands of nobles and courtiers in Italy and France as part of an elaborate…
The Historical Mystique of Tarot: Myths, Legends, and Realities

The Historical Mystique of Tarot: Myths, Legends, and Realities

1. Introduction: Setting the Tone for Tarot’s MystiqueTarot has long occupied a unique and enigmatic position within the tapestry of European culture, its allure often hovering between fascination and scepticism. In Britain, especially, Tarot’s reputation is coloured by a blend of historical intrigue, social curiosity, and a healthy dose of British reserve. From candle-lit Victorian…
How Tarot Arrived in the UK: A Deep Dive into British Tarot History

How Tarot Arrived in the UK: A Deep Dive into British Tarot History

1. Setting the Scene: Pre-Tarot Mysticism in BritainLong before the tarot made its enigmatic entrance onto British soil, the United Kingdom was already steeped in a rich tradition of folklore, mysticism, and ancient methods of divination. The rolling mists of the British Isles have long been home to druids, cunning folk, and wise women who…