Continuing our celebration of remarkable women in history, today we honor Pamela Colman Smith—the artist and mystic whose visionary illustrations brought the Rider-Waite Tarot to life. Though often overshadowed by her male contemporaries, Pamela’s work revolutionized Tarot, infusing each card with rich symbolism and intuitive depth. Her legacy lives on in every reading, every seeker’s journey, and every moment of insight drawn from her iconic deck.

Who Was Pamela Colman Smith?

Born in 1878 in England and raised partly in Jamaica, Pamela’s life was a tapestry of artistic inspiration and esoteric knowledge. She studied at the prestigious Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, where she honed her skills as an illustrator and storyteller. But her true calling emerged when she became deeply involved in the occult world, joining the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn—a secret society devoted to mystical and magical studies.

It was through this connection that she met Arthur Edward Waite, who commissioned her to illustrate what would become the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck in 1909. With her deep understanding of symbolism, color, and archetypal storytelling, she created a deck that transformed Tarot into an accessible, intuitive tool for seekers of all backgrounds.

A Mystical Artist Ahead of Her Time

Pamela, known as “Pixie” to her friends, was a woman of boundless imagination and deep spiritual insight. She didn’t just illustrate Tarot—she wove stories within each card, making even the numbered Minor Arcana visually meaningful for the first time. Her use of vivid colors and evocative imagery set the standard for modern Tarot decks, making them easier to interpret and read intuitively.

Beyond Tarot, Pamela was also a playwright, poet, and publisher. She created her own magazine, The Green Sheaf, where she published her art, folklore, and mystical tales. Yet despite her immense contributions to both the art and spiritual communities, she struggled financially and remained largely unrecognized in her lifetime.

Why Pamela Colman Smith Still Matters

Though history often credited the Rider-Waite Tarot to Arthur Waite, Pamela’s art is what made the deck iconic. Her ability to channel esoteric wisdom into powerful imagery has shaped how millions of people connect with Tarot today.

Pamela also serves as a reminder of the countless women artists, mystics, and visionaries whose contributions have been overlooked. In recent years, Tarot lovers have worked to restore her legacy, ensuring she receives the recognition she deserves as the true artist of the world’s most famous deck.

Honoring Pamela Today

Want to bring Pamela Colman Smith’s magic into your life? Try one of these:
Study her art—look closely at her Tarot illustrations and notice the hidden details.
Read Tarot intuitively—trust the imagery and let it speak to your subconscious.
Learn about her life—rediscover her contributions beyond Tarot, from folk stories to stage design.

Pamela Colman Smith was a woman ahead of her time—a visionary whose art continues to open doors to intuition, mystery, and self-discovery. The next time you pull a Tarot card, take a moment to honor the woman who made the magic visible.

Radiant Rider-Waite® Tarot

$16.08

Radiant Rider-Waite Tarot with enhanced brightness of the original artwork created by Pamela Colman Smith, this deck highlights the traditional symbolism that readers rely on for insightful readings. My favorite for everyday use.

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05/14/2025 06:34 am GMT The post Pamela Colman Smith – The Visionary Behind the Modern Tarot appeared first on Charlene Murphy.

Continuing our celebration of remarkable women in history, today we honor Florence Scovel Shinn—a metaphysical teacher, artist, and author whose work laid the foundation for modern manifestation techniques. Long before “law of attraction” became a buzzword, Florence was teaching people how to align their thoughts, words, and beliefs to create the life they desired.

Who Was Florence Scovel Shinn?

Born in 1871 in Camden, New Jersey, Florence started her career as an illustrator before stepping into her true calling as a spiritual teacher and writer. She was a pioneer in New Thought philosophy, blending Biblical wisdom with the power of affirmations and visualization. In 1925, she self-published her groundbreaking book, The Game of Life and How to Play It, which remains a staple for anyone on a manifesting journey.

The Power of Words and Thought

Florence believed that our words hold creative power, shaping our reality in ways we may not even realize. She taught that by aligning our speech with our desires, we can shift our circumstances and call in abundance, love, health, and success. Many of her affirmations—such as “I now release the past and move forward into the divine plan of my life”—are still widely used today.

Manifestation and Spiritual Law

Unlike many teachers of her time, Florence didn’t just focus on positive thinking; she emphasized the importance of divine timing, faith, and letting go of resistance. She described life as a game played according to spiritual laws, and those who mastered these laws could create lives filled with ease, prosperity, and joy. Her teachings on synchronicity, intuition, and trusting the Universe continue to inspire modern-day spiritual seekers.

Why Florence Still Matters

Florence’s work paved the way for today’s manifestation movement, influencing countless spiritual teachers, authors, and coaches, like me! Her message—that we are powerful co-creators of our reality—is just as relevant now as it was a century ago. She reminds us that faith and fearless belief are the keys to unlocking infinite possibilities.

Honoring Florence Scovel Shinn Today

Want to bring Florence’s wisdom into your own life? Try one of these to honor her today:
Speak your desires into existence—affirm out loud what you wish to manifest.
Read or listen to her books—start with The Game of Life and How to Play It (my audiobook on YouTube)
Trust the divine flow—release control and allow the Universe to work its magic.

Florence Scovel Shinn taught us that life is a game—and those who learn to play it with faith, intention, and joy will always win. Are you ready to play?

The Complete Works of Florence Scovel Shinn

$6.35

Florence Scovel Shinn remains one of the best-known American advocates of New Thought philosophy. In New Thought circles she is best known for her first book, "The Game of Life and How to Play It" (1925). This edition of the collected works reprints "The Game of Life and How to Play It" as well as "Your Word Is Your Wand", "The Secret Door to Success" and "The Power of the Spoken Word." 

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05/14/2025 06:25 pm GMT

The post Florence Scovel Shinn: The Woman Who Taught Us To Manifest appeared first on Charlene Murphy.

Continuing our celebration of extraordinary women in history, today we honor Marie Laveau—the legendary 19th-century Voodoo Queen of New Orleans. A spiritual leader, herbalist, and powerful healer, Marie Laveau’s influence extended beyond magic—she was a force of justice, wisdom, and compassion. To this day, her legacy continues to inspire those drawn to mysticism, folk healing, and ancestral power.

Who Was Marie Laveau?

Born in 1801 in New Orleans, Marie Laveau was a free woman of color in a time when racial and social divides were deeply entrenched. Though much of her early life remains a mystery, she trained as a hairdresser, giving her access to the homes and secrets of New Orleans’ wealthiest and most powerful. But her true calling was something far greater—she became a renowned Voodoo priestess, healer, and spiritual guide, serving both the elite and the poor with equal dedication.

A Spiritual Leader and Folk Healer

Marie Laveau’s work blended Catholicism, African spiritual traditions, and Indigenous practices, creating a unique and powerful form of Voodoo that provided protection, healing, and justice for those in need. She was known to perform elaborate ceremonies in Congo Square, where drumming, chanting, and dance called forth divine energy.

She was also a highly skilled herbalist and practitioner of gris-gris—a form of folk magic using charms, potions, and prayers to manifest desires, from love and prosperity to justice and protection. Her remedies, infused with both medicinal and spiritual potency, helped heal the sick and bring peace to troubled souls.

The Queen of Influence

Marie Laveau wasn’t just a spiritual figure—she was a powerful and respected leader. People from all walks of life, including politicians and law enforcement, sought her guidance. She was known to intercede on behalf of prisoners, helping many avoid wrongful execution.

Her ability to command respect in a deeply divided society was nothing short of remarkable. Though often depicted as a woman of mystery, her true magic was her compassion, wisdom, and ability to empower her community.

A Legacy That Endures

Marie Laveau’s name has become legendary, inspiring countless books, movies, and even TV series. But her real-life impact was far more profound than any fictional portrayal. Even after her passing in 1881, her tomb in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 remains one of the most visited spiritual sites in New Orleans. Visitors still leave offerings, hoping to receive her blessings.

Honoring Marie Laveau Today

Marie Laveau’s wisdom and magic still resonate with us today. Want to connect with her energy? Try one of these:

Set an intention—write a prayer or affirmation and place it under a candle for guidance.
Work with herbs—explore the power of plants like basil (for protection) or bay leaves (for manifestation).
Immerse yourself in Voodoo culture—listen to traditional Louisiana Voodoo rhythms or do a YouTube search

Marie Laveau was a woman of power, faith, and resilience. Her legacy is a reminder that true magic comes not just from rituals, but from love, service, and the courage to stand in our truth.

The Magic of Marie Laveau: Embracing the Spiritual Legacy of the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans

$13.69

Marie Laveau may be the most influential American practitioner of the magical arts; certainly, she is among the most famous. She is the subject of songs, films, and legends and the star of New Orleans ghost tours. Her grave in New Orleans ranks among the most popular spiritual pilgrimages in the US. Devotees venerate votive images of Laveau, who proclaimed herself the “Pope of Voodoo.”

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05/13/2025 08:21 pm GMT The post Marie Laveau – The Voodoo Queen of New Orleans appeared first on Charlene Murphy.

Today’s featured woman in history holds a special connection to my colleague, Jackie Carpenter—an artist and practicing Green Witch who proudly continues the legacy of her ancestral line. Grace Sherwood, known as “The Witch of Pungo,” is Jackie’s 11th-generation great-grandmother. Accused of witchcraft in early 1700s Virginia, Grace faced suspicion, persecution, and even a trial by water—yet she never confessed to a crime she didn’t commit. Her story is a powerful reminder of resilience, truth, and the dangers of mass hysteria.

Who Was Grace Sherwood?

Grace White Sherwood, born around 1660 in the British colony of Virginia, was a skilled midwife, herbalist, and farmer who lived in what is now Virginia Beach. She had a deep understanding of plants and natural healing, often assisting her neighbors with remedies and midwifery. Working her land in Pungo, she defied societal expectations—not only through her knowledge and independence but also by wearing trousers while farming, a bold choice in a time when women were expected to be submissive and quiet. But in an era when strong, capable women were often feared, Grace’s gifts made her a target.

Over the years, neighbors accused her of witchcraft, ruining crops, and even shape-shifting into a cat. After multiple accusations, the case against her escalated, and in 1706, she was put through a trial by water—a brutal test where she was thrown into the river to see if she would float (a supposed sign of guilt). Grace survived the ordeal, but instead of being freed, she was imprisoned for several years.

A Woman Who Wouldn’t Break

Despite her unjust trial and time in jail, Grace never admitted to being a witch. She refused to give in to fear or to the expectations of her accusers. When she was finally released, she returned to her land and lived peacefully into her 80s, proving that even in the face of injustice, she wouldn’t be broken.

The Legacy of the Witch of Pungo

For centuries, Grace Sherwood’s name was tarnished, but in 2006—300 years after her trial—Virginia’s Governor officially pardoned her, acknowledging the wrongs committed against her. Today, she is remembered as a symbol of strength, perseverance, and the fight against injustice.

Honoring Grace Sherwood Today

Grace’s story still speaks to us in the modern era. Want to honor her resilience? Try one of these:

Connect with nature—spend time in a garden or work with herbs like rosemary and sage.
Learn about women accused of witchcraft—explore the stories of those who stood against injustice.
Embrace your strength—stand firm in your truth, even when others misunderstand you.

Grace Sherwood was called a witch, but she was really a woman ahead of her time—one who refused to be silenced. Her legacy reminds us to honor our wisdom, trust in our power, and never let fear define us.

The Witch of Pungo: Grace Sherwood in Virginia History and Legend

$17.12

In 1706, Grace Sherwood was “ducked” after her neighbors in Princess Anne County accused her of witchcraft. Binding and throwing her into the Lynnhaven River, they waited to see whether she would float to the top (evidence of her guilt) or sink (proof of her innocence). Incredibly, she survived. 

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05/13/2025 06:07 pm GMT The post Grace (White) Sherwood – The Witch of Pungo appeared first on Charlene Murphy.

Our celebration of extraordinary women continues with Tituba, a name forever linked to the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Often misunderstood and misrepresented, Tituba was more than just an accused “witch”—she was a woman of deep spiritual knowledge, a practitioner of folk magic, and a survivor of enslavement whose story still resonates today.

Who Was Tituba?

Tituba’s early life is a mystery, but historians believe she was born in Barbados and brought to the Massachusetts Bay Colony as an enslaved woman in the household of Reverend Samuel Parris. She carried with her the spiritual traditions of her homeland, blending African, Indigenous, and Caribbean folk practices, which likely included herbal healing, divination, and storytelling.

The Salem Witch Trials & Tituba’s Role

In 1692, when young girls in Salem began exhibiting strange behavior, Tituba was accused of bewitching them. Under intense pressure and possible coercion, she confessed to practicing magic, spinning elaborate tales of animal familiars, spirits, and the Devil. Her testimony set off a chain reaction—leading to one of the darkest chapters in colonial American history.

But was Tituba really a “witch”? Or was she a woman trying to survive in a world where her voice held no power? Some scholars believe her confession was a strategy to protect herself from further punishment, while others see it as a reflection of the folk magic she may have actually practiced.

A Woman of Magic & Mystery

What’s clear is that Tituba was deeply connected to the spiritual and unseen realms. Folk magic and divination were common among enslaved and oppressed people, offering both healing and a sense of agency in an unjust world. Whether through herbs, charms, or scrying, Tituba likely practiced traditions that had been passed down for generations—ones that colonists did not understand and quickly labeled as “witchcraft.”

Why Tituba Still Matters

Tituba’s story is a reminder of resilience, cultural survival, and the power of spiritual practices that transcend oppression. Though history tried to paint her as a villain or a sorceress, modern scholars recognize her as a healer, an intuitive, and a woman forced into impossible circumstances.

Honoring Tituba Today

Want to bring a little Tituba magic into your life? Try one of these:

Learn about folk magic—study the healing traditions of different cultures.
Explore divination—Tarot, scrying, or intuitive reading can connect us to ancient wisdom.
Read her story—historical fiction and academic research are bringing Tituba’s voice back to life.

Tituba’s name may be tied to a dark moment in history, but her legacy as a spiritual woman, a survivor, and a symbol of intuitive wisdom lives on.

I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem

$22.50

This wild and entertaining novel expands on the true story of the West Indian slave Tituba, who was accused of witchcraft in Salem, Massachusetts, arrested in 1692, and forgotten in jail until the general amnesty for witches two years later. 

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05/13/2025 09:03 pm GMT The post Tituba – The Enslaved Healer Who Sparked the Salem Witch Trials appeared first on Charlene Murphy.

Continuing our celebration of incredible, witchy women in history, today we honor Hildegard of Bingen—a 12th-century abbess, healer, composer, and visionary whose mystical insights still inspire seekers today. She wasn’t just ahead of her time; she was in a league of her own, blending spirituality, music, herbal medicine, and divine revelations into a life of wisdom and service.

Who Was Hildegard of Bingen?

Born in 1098 in what is now Germany, Hildegard was a woman who refused to be confined by the expectations of her era. From an early age, she experienced powerful visions of light and wisdom—messages she believed came directly from the Divine. Though she lived in a time when women had little authority, her intellect and spiritual gifts couldn’t be ignored. She eventually became the abbess of a Benedictine monastery, where she led with both strength and grace.

A Healer and Herbalist

Hildegard believed that nature held the key to healing, and she wrote extensively about the medicinal properties of plants, gemstones, and even the elements. Her book Physica is one of the earliest known holistic healing guides, blending herbal remedies with a deep understanding of the body, mind, and spirit. She saw health as a balance between the physical and the sacred—an idea that resonates deeply with energy healers and holistic practitioners today.

The Music of the Spheres

As if being a visionary and healer weren’t enough, Hildegard was also a gifted composer. Her music, known as sacred chants or plainsong, is ethereal, hypnotic, and infused with divine inspiration. Even today, her compositions are performed worldwide, carrying a sense of deep peace and spiritual connection. If you’ve never listened to her work, look up Ordo Virtutum—it’s like a mystical soundtrack to enlightenment.

Why Hildegard Still Matters

Hildegard wasn’t afraid to own her gifts and share them, even when the world told her to stay silent. She wrote about feminine divinity, cosmic balance, and the interconnectedness of all things—concepts that feel just as relevant now as they did 900 years ago. She reminds us to trust our inner wisdom, embrace creativity, and honor the healing power of nature.

Honoring Hildegard Today

Want to bring a little Hildegard magic into your life? Try one of these:
Work with herbs—brew an herbal tea or explore natural remedies.
Listen to her music—let her chants transport you to a higher vibration: Ordo Virtutum
Trust your visions—journal your intuitive insights and dreams.

Hildegard of Bingen showed us what it means to be fully in tune with the divine while living a life of purpose. Her wisdom still sings through the ages—are you listening?

Hildegard of Bingen's Medicine (Folk Wisdom Series)

$8.58

Hildegard of Bingen, a major twelfth-century mystic and prophet, began having divinely inspired visions at the age of six. These visions continued throughout her life and were the source of highly honored information on healing through a multidimensional approach to the body, mind, emotions, and spirit.

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05/13/2025 10:36 pm GMT The post Hildegard of Bingen – The Mystic Who Sang with the Divine appeared first on Charlene Murphy.

In honor of Women’s History Month, I’m celebrating the healers, mystics, and visionaries who shaped the world in their own magical ways. And I can’t think of a better woman to kick off this series than Hypatia of Alexandria—a brilliant philosopher, mathematician, and astronomer who lived in 4th-century Egypt. She was basically the original wise woman, blending science, spirituality, and deep intuition long before we had words for it.

Who Was Hypatia?

Hypatia wasn’t just a scholar—she was the scholar. She ran the famous Neoplatonist school in Alexandria, teaching philosophy, astronomy, and mathematics to anyone who wanted to learn. And that was a big deal because, at the time, women weren’t exactly encouraged to be intellectual leaders. But Hypatia didn’t care. She followed her calling, shared her wisdom, and taught with confidence.

A Mystic of Mind and Cosmos

Hypatia saw the universe as something deeply interconnected—math, stars, human existence, all part of a bigger picture. She wasn’t just crunching numbers; she was unlocking cosmic secrets. Her work laid the foundation for what we now call astronomy and physics, but she also had this intuitive sense of the unseen, as if she was decoding the sacred patterns of the universe.

Why Hypatia Still Matters

Aside from being absolutely brilliant, Hypatia was fearless. She spoke her truth, shared her knowledge, and refused to dim her light—even when it made people uncomfortable. Sadly, that fearlessness led to her tragic death in 415 CE when a political mob saw her intellect as a threat. But here’s the thing: they didn’t silence her. Her name, her influence, and her magic live on.

Honoring Hypatia Today

If Hypatia’s story inspires you (and how could it not?), here are a few ways to honor her legacy today:

• Diving into a new subject that intrigues you—wisdom is power!
• Stargazing and reflecting on the cosmos, just as she did.
• Embracing both logic and intuition, knowing that true knowledge blends both.

Hypatia’s legacy reminds us that seeking truth is a radical act of magic. Here’s to carrying her wisdom forward. For a cinematic take on her life, check out the film Agora (2009), starring Rachel Weisz, which beautifully brings Hypatia’s story to the screen.

Agora [DVD]

$29.97

Set in ancient Egypt under Roman rule, AGORA follows the brilliant and beautiful astronomer Hypatia (Weisz) who leads a group of disciples fighting to save the wisdom of the Ancient World, as violent religious upheaval spills into the streets of Alexandria. 

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05/13/2025 11:19 pm GMT The post Hypatia of Alexandria – The Rebel Mystic Who Defied Time appeared first on Charlene Murphy.