A Witches Guide to London

Discover London's witchy world and everything you can do in the city as an aspiring baby witch

I first pulled the reverse wheel of fortune. In its normal form means destiny, fortune, luck. In its reversed state it changes to abundance, increase, and superfluidity.

Next was the lovers and as the name hints, its meaning is love, attraction, and beauty.

Finally, death. A sign of the end.

I pulled these cards in hopes of them foretelling my success in this trip and as I stand, hunched over my tarot deck overlooking the waters of the Thames, a river that’s seen London transform from a time of witchcraft truly being feared to now a new age of the occult, I to my journey into the hidden underbelly of London’s occult arts.

The city of London has its history interwoven with witchcraft long before its witch trials conducted under the Witchcraft Act of 1541, Witches braved the Capital and placed their stamp on the city.

One such place stamped with magic approval is Shakespeare’s globe. A pocket of the Elizabethan era in a constantly changing and developing city. A reminder of what was and how it can affect what is and will be.

Arguably the greatest writer in the English language used the fear of witches for suspense and long since modern-day witches feel the flames of his display.

Witches know to look to the past especially when it comes to determining the future. So, in a little nook of the pier overlooking the river Thames and overshadowed by the circular body of Shakespeare’s theatre, I conducted a Tarot card reading.

You are asked to accept the Wheel of Fortune card with optimism and faith that the universe will take care of your situation.

You are asked to accept the Wheel of Fortune card with optimism and faith that the universe will take care of your situation.

This card, which represents conscious connections and meaningful relationships, shows that you share a deep connection with a loved one.

This card, which represents conscious connections and meaningful relationships, shows that you share a deep connection with a loved one.

The Death card represents the end of a phase or aspect of your life that you no longer need, opening the way for something far more valuable and significant to come into your life.

The Death card represents the end of a phase or aspect of your life that you no longer need, opening the way for something far more valuable and significant to come into your life.

“What are these, so wither’d and so wild in their attire, that look not like th’inhabitants o’th’earth, and yet are on it?”

— Macbeth Act I, scene 3

Every local has their own type of magic when it comes to traveling across the city. Whether it’s on the capitals underground whose map is like ancient runes I tried to decipher in the busy Waterloo station or swiftly navigating through crowds all moving in unison as if it were rehearsed, proving that London is a city of the world.

When the ravens leave the Tower of London the Crown will fall and Britain with it. One of the most well-known myths across the kingdom is thought to derive from Victorian times not by an evil witch hexing but by Celtic mythology. The Raven was the totem of the Welsh God, Bran the Blessed, the giant protector of the Brits. Seven of Bran's Ravens are kept there to protect against invasion.

Contrary to its name the Tower of London is made up of several buildings and towers. where you can find witch marks on doorways, windows, and other openings like fireplaces.

Witch marks are used to protect the building and its inhabitants. The evil that was being 'turned away' may have been witches, but for baby witches, the sign is nothing more than a fun piece of history.

The highlight of the self-guided tour is that the tower is home to royal jewels and armour. The queen living as long as she has makes me truly believe she has her own magic.

Cullinan Diamond – the largest diamond ever found can be seen throughout the Crown Jewels. Behind layers of thick glass, red rope, and guards who differ in uniform to the large fluffy hat-wearing stereotypical guards outside, the diamond cut up in pieces is still perhaps the most beautiful gem in the world.

Diamonds are a symbol of perfection, and they improve inner vision - by placing them on the Third Eye, a diamond encourages psychic enhancement and is a valuable tool for communication telepathically. Though I doubt this was the intention of the placement of the precious gem in the grown it can only be a benefit to her royal highness.

Moving towards the Old Bailey upright and tall stands the statue of Lady Justice. She is on the very top of the Old Bailey and as she holds a sword and scales justice is corrupted underneath her by true wickedness which she is blinded from.

Persecution of witches didn’t officially begin until the Witchcraft Act was passed by King Henry 8th. From being thrown into the Thames to a more well-known but hardly common burning at the stake, people of the occult have been targeted and imprisoned. 

Central Criminal Court or more well known as the Old Bailey, after the street on which it stands. Is planted firm with large solid bricks and ornately carved out Roman-style pillars. it is London’s chief criminal court containing 19 courts and 70 prisoner cells and was the last court in England to prosecute under the Witchcraft Act 70 years ago.

The Tower's most famous prisoners were two princes, Edward and Richard, sons of Edward IV and appear to have never left the tower alive and some thought they were killed by their uncle, Richard III who later took the throne for himself.

The Tower's most famous prisoners were two princes, Edward and Richard, sons of Edward IV and appear to have never left the tower alive and some thought they were killed by their uncle, Richard III who later took the throne for himself.

The ravens are kept in the tower through the occasional trimming of feathers but are still able to fly.

The ravens are kept in the tower through the occasional trimming of feathers but are still able to fly.

There are 23,578 gemstones in this world-renowned collection. Find out more on the Tower of London website

There are 23,578 gemstones in this world-renowned collection. Find out more on the Tower of London website

Mined in Cullinan, South Africa, the diamond was named after Thomas Cullinan, the mine's chairman after being discovered in 1905.

Mined in Cullinan, South Africa, the diamond was named after Thomas Cullinan, the mine's chairman after being discovered in 1905.

The Old Bailey is an active courthouse but if you'd like to visit court proceedings all the information can be found on their website.

The Old Bailey is an active courthouse but if you'd like to visit court proceedings all the information can be found on their website.

Spiritualist and medium Helen Duncan was convicted in 1944 for fear she would reveal military secrets during World War II after speaking with the spirits of sailors who died in battle.

Spiritualist and medium Helen Duncan was convicted in 1944 for fear she would reveal military secrets during World War II after speaking with the spirits of sailors who died in battle.

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It wouldn’t be a trip to anywhere without the obligatory shop for souvenirs, but unlike anywhere else London has an abundance of witchy shops to explore and there is one place on the top of my list.

Near Covent Garden's celebrated street performers is the renowned Astrology shop, a must-see for anyone who's ever been intrigued by the wonderful witchcraft world.

A mystical experience since 1989, the royal blue store face embellished with gold signage, invites those seeking the occult in with books stacked high along the walls of the large store made small by the number of curiosities.

The store is cleansed in incense and blessed by crystals of every shape and nature working in tandem giving energy to guests walking across the threshold. The Astrology shop is not just a shop but an experience for anyone of any knowledge level of the occult arts and allows a better understanding of what can help an aspiring witch.

This is one of many places in the city accepting and welcoming the occult, showcasing that London is truly an endless wonder for witches to enjoy.

In astrology, the alignment of the sun, moon, and planets along the band of the sky at an individual's time of birth as well as a person's place on the earth determines their zodiac alignment.

In astrology, the alignment of the sun, moon, and planets along the band of the sky at an individual's time of birth as well as a person's place on the earth determines their zodiac alignment.

The astrology shop can be best accessed by a short walk from Tottenham Court Road station on the Central or Northern lines.

The astrology shop can be best accessed by a short walk from Tottenham Court Road station on the Central or Northern lines.