The Esoteric Witch

The Esoteric Witch

I am a passionate software developer from the beautiful town of Kaarina, Finland. In my free time, I explore the fascinating world of art history and occultism. I am fascinated by the stories behind the great works of art and the hidden meanings behind the symbols used in the occult. My interests also include Tarot and oracle cards, which I find to be great tools for self-reflection and personal growth. I am always on the lookout for interesting books and resources related to witchcraft, and I enjoy exploring different rituals and practices.
  • Joined: 2023-11-16
  • Articles: 211
The Night Watch, Rembrandt, 1642

Baroque

The Baroque period, a response to the Counter-Reformation, was characterized by a grand, ornate, and dramatic style in art. The Church, as the primary patron of Baroque art, aimed to inspire piety and devotion in the faithful. The period was a time of political upheaval and social change, including the Thirty Years' War. Baroque art, with its grandeur, drama, dynamism, and emotion, used dramatic lighting, intense colours, and exaggerated forms to create emotionally charged and theatrical works. This emphasis on drama and emotion is a key aspect of the Baroque period. The era was filled with famous artworks, including Caravaggio's The Calling of Saint Matthew and Diego Velázquez's The Triumph of Bacchus.
Cards from Tarot of the Divine

Different Ways to Use Tarot Cards

This post explores various ways to use tarot cards, including divination, using spreads, combining with oracle cards, as a tool for inspiration and meditation, as well as for decoration or as a piece of altar or art. It also provides some popular tarot spreads, such as the Celtic Cross spread and the Three-Card spread and suggests ways to use tarot cards in combination with oracle cards to gain more specific insights or guidance. Finally, the post highlights how tarot cards can be a great source of inspiration for writers and artists.
Drawing a sigil

Crafting Intent: The Art and Practice of Sigil Magic

This post explains the process of creating a sigil for sigil magic, which involves choosing a sigil type, crafting the sigil, and charging the sigil. It also describes the three types of sigils, including destructible, temporary, and permanent. The post provides step-by-step instructions for creating a destructible sigil, which involves defining the intention, removing vowels and repeating letters, and designing an abstract symbol. Finally, the sigil is charged with energy and can be used for various purposes.
fractal, flame, light

What is Chaos Magic?

Chaos magic is a modern and highly individualistic form of magic that focuses on achieving results rather than adhering to any specific tradition or set of beliefs. Its core concepts include the power of belief, simplicity in form, and the idea that reality is malleable and can be shaped through intention and willpower. Chaos magic's origins can be traced back to the 1970s, and it has evolved and diversified throughout the years. The influence of chaos magic can be seen in various aspects of popular culture.
Dark Reflections

Dark Reflections Tarot

The Dark Reflections Tarot Deck is a unique deck that focuses on shadow work. It is designed by Esra Dagtekin Mirt. The deck has 78 cards, including 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana cards divided into four suits, and a guidebook. The cards are made of high-quality art paper with stunning printing on both sides and have a holographic gilded edge. The deck features reversed aspects of tarot, with stunning artwork that follows the Waite-Smith symbology. The guidebook contains dedicated information pages for each card, with shadow traits, growth opportunities, and questions to ask. Although the guidebook could have more information about shadow work, the deck is perfect for those drawn to exploring the depths of their psyche.
Children of Litha

The Children of Litha

The Children of Litha tarot deck is a richly illustrated deck by Xia Hunt. It features mythological creatures and nature-based symbolism. The deck consists of 78 cards made with 350gsm cardstock and has a matte finish. The Major Arcana cards depict hybrids of animals and humans, while the Minor Arcana is divided into aces, court cards, and numbered cards. The deck comes with a comprehensive guidebook containing a detailed explanation of how the theme of the cards was designed and how the cards should be interpreted. The guidebook also includes a couple of spreads that can help you get started with the deck. Overall, the deck is of high quality, and the guidebook is one of the good ones.
purple flowers on brown wooden table

How To Be a Green Witch?

Green witches, also known as garden witches, are practitioners of witchcraft who work with natural elements, particularly plants and herbs. The history of green witches can be traced back to ancient times when some people were respected for their knowledge of herbology and healing. These people used natural resources for medicinal purposes, and their practices were often passed down through generations.
Giuseppe Arcimboldo, Vertumnus the god of seasons, 1591

Mannerism

Mannerism, a significant art movement that emerged in Italy during the late Renaissance era, was a departure from the prevailing ideals of balance, harmony, and naturalism. Instead, it embraced intentional complexity, artificiality, and exaggeration. This artistic rebellion, which was a response to the political and social changes of the time, was characterized by the elongation and contortion of figures, a technique that conveyed deep emotions and individuality. Symbolism and metaphors were also integral to Mannerist art. Notable examples of this unique style include Bronzino's Venus, Cupid, Folly and Time and Parmigianino's Madonna with the Long Neck.
Tarot of the Divine

Tarot of the Divine

Tarot of the Divine is a unique deck with stunning illustrations that draw inspiration from various mythologies and cultural traditions worldwide. The deck features rich symbolism and offers a fresh perspective on the traditional tarot system. The deck's creator, Yoshi Yoshitani, is a talented artist who blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary elements and is committed to social justice and representation. The guidebook is limited but provides all the necessary information for conducting a successful tarot reading. The companion book Beneath the Moon is a collection of seventy-eight stories, legends, and myths worldwide, which adds depth and context to the deck.
The School of Athens, Raphael, 1509–1510

Renaissance Art

The Renaissance was a European cultural and artistic revolution from the 14th through the 17th centuries. It was marked by a renewed interest in classical art and ideas and a great awakening of intellectual and artistic expression. The art of the Renaissance was distinguished by its rigorous attention to detail, pursuit of realism, and mastery of perspective. Artists of this time sought to capture the complexities and beauty of their surroundings by combining creative skill with visionary vision. The most prominent features of Renaissance art were its emphasis on realism and humanism, use of perspective, symbolism and allegory, and heroic or idealised poses. Artists made groundbreaking developments in painting, including the mastery of perspective, chiaroscuro, and sfumato. Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo were the most accomplished and influential painters of the Renaissance era.