Muses No More: Portraits of Occult Women is a comprehensive and insightful book written by Shetland Island-based author Ùna Maria Blyth, and published by Hexen Press. This captivating work delves deep into the lives and legacies of seventeen occult women who have left a significant mark on the world of witchcraft and the occult. Through meticulous research and engaging narratives, the book sheds light on the diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and contributions of these remarkable women.
The book is structured into two distinct sections: Portraits and Practices. In the Portraits section, readers are introduced to a diverse array of occult women such as Margot Adler, Doreen Valiente, Marjorie Cameron, Sybil Leek, Madeline Montalban, Rosaleen Norton, Mirra Alfassa, Maya Deren, Pamela Colman Smith, Maria de Naglowska, Annie Besant, Leila Waddell, Moina Mathers, Sojourner Truth, Marie Laveau, Biddy Early, and Isobel Gowdie. Each chapter provides a deep dive into the personal stories, challenges faced, and achievements of these influential figures within the realm of witchcraft and the occult. The narratives offer a glimpse into their beliefs, practices, and the impact they have had on shaping the occultural landscape around them.
Where some of these ladies are well-known to me, there are a few new acquaintances, and that is always a great thing. After reading Blyth’s book, my personal favorite remains the wonderfully mysterious Maria de Naglowska, who really knew a thing or two about sex magic.
”Unable to obtain a work permit, Naglowska lived in a hotel in Montparnasse and gave lectures on Satanism and sexual magic at cafes, swiftly gaining something of a following (possibly including William Seabrook, André Breton, Georges Bataille and Man Ray).”
Oh, to have been a fly on the wall, or a guest with a glass of wine, on a soirée like that!
Moving on to the Practices section, the book offers a treasure trove of rituals and practices inspired by the spirits of these women. From banishing rituals to divination exercises, the book provides a hands-on guide for readers to connect with the wisdom and energy of these magical ladies. The rituals cover a wide spectrum of topics including spell-work, tarot readings, spiritual exercises, and more, offering readers a practical and experiential journey into the world of various occult practices.
The de Naglowska-inspired ritual suggests working with/in the meeting point of inner and outer sounds. That kind of intersectional and transcendental magic based in the senses is not only intelligently structured but also extremely powerful.
”The sex magical practices she describes are potent in part because of the manner in which they challenge deeply ingrained patterns of shame. Shame is, ultimately, a problem of the head. The following exercise helps us to overcome the problematic nature of our shame-brains by engaging with the head in a new way: as a vessel for sound. This is somewhat in tune with Naglowska’s own practice of sitting in Church and hearing the sounds, the liturgy for example, but without engaging with them.”
The introduction of the book recounts the personal experiences and transformation of its author as she delved into the occult world, emphasizing the importance of shedding light on the voices of women often overlooked in occult history. Having integrated the archetype or spirit of Lilith, Blyth confesses to having,
”looked in the mirror and didn’t recognise this bold new face slyly jeering at me. This was terrifying, of course. Thrilling? Naturally. The whole thing didn’t last long; it was more of an acute than chronic possession situation. But something had shifted and my fingertips buzzed & hummed. I was ready to scrabble around. And so I began my career in the occult. Don’t all of our stories begin with a haphazard possession?”
Overall, Muses No More: Portraits of Occult Women serves as a long overdue celebration of the often overlooked stories and contributions of women in the occult environment(s). By presenting a blend of biographical portraits and practical rituals, Blythe’s book aims to inspire readers to explore the rich tapestry of occult traditions led by these extraordinary women. It invites us to delve deeper into the histories, practices, and legacies, offering a unique and enriching experience for those interested in the mystical and esoteric realms of knowledge.
I also want to mention that the book has beautiful illustrations by one of my favorite artists, Luciana Lupe Vasconcelos.
I can foresee this book becoming an absolute staple title in any serious occult library, and it makes me curious about what will come next from the Shetland Islands!
You can order the book right HERE.
