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History's Real Witches and Wizards
Witches and wizards are icons of many great fantasy worlds. From the good - Dumbledore, Gandalf, Glenda - to the dark - Voldemort, Saruman and the Wicked Witch - these mystical figures wield great power, and make for very interesting stories! But do they only exist in the realms of fantasy?
You don’t have to dig too deep into history to find real-life remnants of witch and wizard lore. The great Druids of Celtic tradition share much in common with the typical ‘wizard’, and many people who practise the modern-day sacred movement of Wicca identify as ‘witches’. But there are some individuals who stand out more than others in the history books as 'real-life' witches and wizards, whether for their divinatory prowess or mathematical genius. Let's take a look at a few of them:
Mother Shipton
Mother Shipton, also known as Ursula Southeil, was a famous 16th-century English prophetess. She published a number of extraordinary prophecies of world events under the guise of rhymes and verse, in order to escape persecution for occult practices. Her legendary prophecies included the Great Plague of London, the Great Fire of London, and the Spanish Armada—all of which unfolded with eerie accuracy. While many alleged ‘witches’ of the earlier ages met terrible ends by the noose or the stake, Mother Shipton quite uneventfully died of natural causes at an elderly age, but her legacy lives on as one of the world’s greatest 'real' witches.
Paracelsus
Paracelsus was a 16th-century Swiss genius, famed for his work in alchemy, astrology, medicine and botany. He is one of many great mathematical and scientific minds of the Middle Ages and Renaissance who have been linked to magical pursuits in the history books—from Nostradamus to Nicholas Flamel, and many in between. Paracelsus’s reputation as a real-life ‘wizard’ stem from his development of the ‘Alphabet of the Magi’, an occult language that calls upon spirits to help in the healing of medical patients. Paracelsus was said to carve the symbols of the alphabet into talismans, which were used for healing and protection. His esoteric approaches to medicine and science caused much debate and discussion, but wizard or not, his legacy is undeniable.
Marie Laveau
Marie Laveau, also known as the ‘Voodoo Queen’, was a 19th-century Louisiana Creole woman famed for her Voodoo spiritual work. Laveau was born in the French Quarter of New Orleans as a free woman of colour, and went on to develop a wide-spread reputation as a Voodoo practitioner. People of all races and classes would flock to Laveau for her help with health, relationships and more. Interestingly, Marie Laveau was said to be a devout Catholic, and believed that her Voodoo pursuits were in line with her Catholic faith, rather than at odds with it. Whether the Voodoo Queen was really the mystical ‘witch’ like figure of legend, or simply a shrewd spiritual healer, she certainly had an impressive amount of influence over 19th-century New Orleans and its communities.
Cornelius Agrippa
Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa was definitely a Renaissance ‘jack-of-all-trades’, famed for being a polymath, physicist, soldier, theologian and occult writer. The last of these in particular has led to him being considered one of history’s real-life ‘wizards’. Agrippa wrote a number of books about the occult arts, the most famous of which is called De Occulta Philosophia Libra Tre. This text formed a link between practical ‘magic’ like alchemy and astronomy, and the higher magic of summoning spirits and communicating with other worlds. Sadly, Agrippa gave up his pursuit of the occult before his death. He worried that studying these arts would take him to ‘hell’, showing a common historical conflict between religion and the occult.
The Salem Witches
It’s impossible to look at real-life witchcraft throughout history without discussing the terrible Salem Witch Trials of 1692. The trials took place in Massachussets, USA, and were a result of mass hysteria spreading through a heavily Puritanical New World America. The hysteria was said to have began when a pair of young girls suffered from an inexplicable illness, which a doctor diagnosed as being an effect of witchcraft. In a frenzy to find the perpetrators, a trio of local impoverished women were accused of witchery and sentenced to execution. By the end of the infamous Trials, over twenty people had been executed as punishment for ‘witchcraft’. This is definitely a dark blot in the history books, demonstrating how the label of ‘witch’ can be used to ostracise and persecute, when it should denote power, wisdom and respect.
Aleister Crowley
Aleister Crowley is one of the more contemporary real-life ‘wizards’, practising at the turn of the 20th-century. A controversial figure, Crowley was an English occultist and ceremonial magician, who was a member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and went on to found his own religion called Thelema. Thelema is a new religious movement with influences from Ancient Egyptian spirituality, Qabalah and yoga. Crowley definitely forged a powerful legacy in the world of the occult, with many of his writings and philosophies leading to modern movements like Wicca and and chaos magick. But he was also a controversial figure, with shady views on race and gender that made him a number of enemies. Whether Crowley falls into the category of ‘good’ wizard or ‘bad’ wizard depends on who you ask.
They often say that truth is stranger than fiction, and that seems to be the case when you start delving into the real-life stories of famous witches and wizards. These are just a few of the mystical icons throughout history whose tales seem like the stuff of storybooks. Do you know any others? Let us know in the comments!
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10 Unique Oracle Decks
Many people are familiar with the art of tarot—using symbolic cards as divinatory tools. But how much do you know about oracle cards?
Oracle cards are often grouped together with tarot, but they're actually quite different. Tarot cards work together as a unified set (containing the Major and Minor Arcana, similar to a traditional playing card deck), and they're normally read in systematic 'spreads'.
Oracle cards (which also encompass angel and wisdom cards) are more free-form and flexible. You often don't require special knowledge to read oracle cards—hallelujah!
The most common way to use oracle cards is to intuitively pick a single card from your chosen deck at the beginning of the day, or when you're in most need of guidance. This card will then act like your Pole Star, leading you in the right direction and helping you to make sense of life.
Just like tarot decks, there are hundreds of oracle and wisdom decks out there, produced by artists and visionaries who want to bring their own unique touch to the magical art of oracle reading. We've selected ten of our most unique (and popular!) oracle decks here - take a look!
1. The Original Angel Cards
The Original Angel Cards are a great introduction to the world of oracle. With a bright simple design, these little cards have a clear message stamped on each of them—like 'healing', 'joy' or 'celebration'—accompanied by homely images of angels. With their small size and clear imagery, it's so easy to have these cards nestled in a bowl in your home or business, for yourself or your guests to easily pick up. The message you select will help guide the rest of your day.
2. Healing With The Fairies Cards
Fairies are powerful figures. Their healing and guidance is called upon in many magical practices, and oracle reading is no exception. This beautiful fairy-inspired deck is created by acclaimed spiritual writer Doreen Virtue. Containing 44 unique cards, the colourful fairy imagery in this deck is accompanied by powerful messages like "Quiet Time", "Trust Your Intuition" and "Raising Your Standards". Pick a card from this deck, and you'll have a clear focus to channel your energies for the day.
3. Magickal Spellcards
These cards a bit different than your average oracle deck. Instead of containing an image and message, each card in this deck features a unique spell by bestselling author and witch, Lucy Cavendish. You'll find empowering spells focused on love, beauty, abundance and more, all accompanied by an in-depth guidebook to help you with your spell-casting. These cards can be used like an oracle deck (i.e. pick a card at random from the deck and let it guide you), or you can take a more organised approach.
4. Lenormand Oracle
Marie Anne Lenormand was a French fortune-teller, famous for being Napolean's card reader and guide. This oracle deck is based on the legendary clairvoyant's practice, and is a little more structured than your traditional oracle. Each card in the 36-card deck contains a number and a 19th-century inspired image, accompanied by an in-depth guide to help you read this unique set. It might take you a little bit longer to pick up Lenormand's approach to cartomancy, but it's definitely worth a try—her legacy is legendary, after all!
5. Animal Spirits Knowledge Cards
This gorgeous deck features paintings by acclaimed artist Susan Seddon Boulet, known for her images that weave magic into the animal kingdom and the natural world. Not surprisingly, animals are the muse for this deck, with each of the 48 cards featuring an animal and their spiritual profile. Intended to be used like a regular oracle deck, the animal card you pick from this selection will give you strength, guidance and wisdom to focus your day.
7. Past Life Oracle
This oracle deck is also created by Doreen Virtue, but puts a unique spin on traditional oracle reading. This set is inspired by the concept of 'past lives', and how who you were in your previous lives affects who you are today. Containing 44 cards, this deck will help you to better understand yourself so that you can overcome problems and forge a brighter future.
7. Mystical Wisdom Deck
This vivid magical oracle deck is based on artwork by popular fantasy artist Josephine Wall. Each card in this 46-card deck features a unique angel, animal, goddess or fairy, accompanied by a bold message to guide you—such as "take a leap of faith", "open your heart" and "live life to the fullest". These gorgeous cards are sure to add light, love and wisdom into your day.
8. Kuan Yin Oracle
Kuan Yin is known as the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion, and her divine energy forms the inspiration for this ethereal oracle deck. Created by Alana Fairchild, this beautiful deck brings you closer to the goddess and to the divine feminine energy inside yourself. With breath-taking imagery inspired by Buddhist spirituality, this 44-card deck also comes with a detailed guidebook to help you in your reading.
9. Flower of Life Oracle
This nature-inspired deck is guided by the 'Wisdom of Astar', a "loving energetic consciousness". Each card in this set features a gentle and calming photograph of nature's beauties, from butterflies to flowers and all in between, accompanied by special messages to help you draw wisdom from nature. Inject peace and power into your life with this unique and soothing traditional oracle deck.
10. Tea Leaf Fortune Cards
This unique deck is inspired by the ancient art of tea-leaf reading. The distinctive circular cards in this deck feature beautiful watercolour depictions of traditional tea leaf symbols. The deck is accompanied by a detailed guidebook that will help you read both the cards and physical tea leaves—absorbing this ancient divinatory practice to its fullest!
As you can see, there's so much variety and creativity to the world of oracle card reading. Each creator brings their own interpretation to the practice, so it's up to you to decide which design and structure suits you best...and don't worry, every deck contains a detailed guide to help you! But the purpose of oracle card reading remains the same, from deck to deck—to receive divine wisdom, guidance and inspiration from the cards to help you in your daily life.
Let us know in the comments which decks are your favourites!
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Gift Ideas for the Twelve Zodiac Signs
Here at Dragonspace, we love helping our customers find the perfect magical gift for all occasions, whether it’s a birthday, ceremony or ‘just because’. Gift-giving is an act that has drawn people together since ancient times, and is still a beautiful way of demonstrating appreciation and celebration.
Because gift-giving is quite personal, many of us agonise over finding the perfect gift for our loved ones. Do they like practical gifts or pretty gifts? Sentimental or sensible? Well, we believe that the stars are often the best place to look for guidance. So here are our top gift ideas for each of the twelve zodiac signs.
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Aries (March 21 - April 19)
People that fall under the Aries sign tend to be very active and are always on-the-go. They’re not usually the type for sentimental gifts, and would prefer something useful that will fit into their busy lifestyle. Our range of beautiful Celtic pocket watches and cuff links would complement the dynamic schedule of the Aries in your life, with a unique Celtic flourish for something special.
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Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
Taureans tend to love visually beautiful and tactile gifts. They enjoy working with their hands, and always appreciate skilled craftsmanship and artistry. Given this, a unique sterling silver ring is the ideal gift for your Taurean loved one. We've got Celtic, fairy, dragon, floral and gemstone designs to suit all tastes.
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Gemini (May 21 - June 20)
For all their positive traits, Geminis famously struggle to make decisions. There are always so many things they want to explore, they’re often torn about what path to go down, whether that’s career, travel, creative or otherwise. So what better gift for a Gemini than an oracle deck? This is a unique way to help them seek out spiritual guidance regarding the big choices in life.
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Cancer (June 21 - July 22)
People born under the sign of Cancer tend to be sentimental types, who value their families and relationships highly. Cancers would definitely appreciate a gorgeous leather photo album to record their favourite memories. You can even include a few of your favourite photos in the first few pages of the album for a truly personal touch.
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Leo (July 23 - August 22)
Leos like the finer things in life, and are very social creatures. They enjoy wining and dining, and will tend to make a big deal out of special occasions. Help them out with that by gifting them with a unique wine bottle holder. These fantasy-themed holders have a ton of personality and charm, just like your Leo loved ones.
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Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
People born under the Virgo sign tend to be very meticulous and organised. Their lives are carefully planned out down to the last detail. Given this, the Virgo in your life would appreciate a leather phone wallet or card holder to help them stay organised. The beautiful Celtic knotwork on these designs adds a unique touch.
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Libra (September 23 - October 22)
Librans are all about balance. They crave harmony in their lives, and will take any measure to avoid stress or negative energies. Librans will therefore love our range of incense products to help them achieve that perfect balance. Whether it’s sticks or cones, resigns or smudges, harmony can be achieved through the perfect scent.
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Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)
Scorpios are drawn to the mystical and mysterious. They love pondering the big questions in life, and exploring unconventional hobbies and pursuits. So Scorpios would definitely appreciate a tarot deck as a gift, especially one of our more unique and unusual decks to suit their eclectic tastes!
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Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)
It wouldn’t be surprising if the Sagittarius in your life is currently off exploring the world, perhaps abseiling down a cliff or trekking around a tropical island. Sagittarians love to travel and try new things, and will never say no to an adventure. So a high-quality tote bag is the perfect companion for their endless explorations!
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Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)
Capricorns tend to have practical, determined characters. They like to study, analyse and think deeply about all things in life. So they’d love the challenge of figuring out a vibrant jigsaw puzzle. It will keep them locked in concentration for days, and is a lovely piece of art once it’s finished.
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Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)
People born under the Aquarius sign tend to be visionary creative types. It can be difficult to buy gifts for Aquarians, as they don’t love commercial products. So our range of gemstone pendulums are the ideal gift for the Aquarius in your life, whether they’ll use them for magical, creative or ornamental purposes.
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Pisces (February 19 - March 20)
Pisceans tend to be thoughtful and introspective people. They’ll often be thinking deeply about the world and their lives, and would appreciate somewhere to write their observations down. So our range of writing and creativity journals are ideal for the philosophical Piscean.
You might also like to check out our range of gorgeous Josephine Wall zodiac cards , perfect for birthdays!