Dr. Amy Hale and Susan Aberth discuss the magical work of Leonora Carrington and its influence on modern art history. In this episode, Amy’s guest is pioneering art historian Susan Aberth, whose groundbreaking study of surrealist Leonora Carrington helped shaped the way magic, witchcraft and the occult are framed in the study of modern art. Amy and Susan discuss how art history has responded to a deeper understanding of the influence of occultism, spiritualism and magic on artistic practices, and how the narrative of modern art is changing. Episode 1 of a 10-part series about magic and contemporary art (other episodes to follow in the coming months). SPEAKER BIOS Susan L. Aberth is the Edith C. Blum Professor of the Art History and Visual Culture Program at Bard College, and a world-renowned expert on occult art and surrealism. Her 2004 book, Leonora Carrington: Surrealism, Alchemy and Art (Lund Humphries) helped introduce Carrington’s magical work to the masses. She also recently co-authored The Tarot of Leonora Carrington (Fulgur Press, 2020) with Mexican curator Tere Arcq, which is an analysis of Carrington’s tarot paintings and original major arcana deck. Susan has contributed to the following exhibitions and publications: Surrealism and Magic, Guggenheim Venice (2021), Not Without My Ghosts (2020, Traveling exhibition in England), Agnes Pelton: Desert Transcendentalist (Phoenix Art Museum, 2019), Juanita Guccione: Otherwhere (Napa Valley Museum, 2019), Surrealism, Occultism and Politics: In Search of the Marvelous (Routledge Press, 2018), Leonora Carrington: Cuentos Magicos (Museo de Arte Moderno & INBA, Mexico City, 2018), Unpacking: The Marciano Collection (Delmonico Books, Prestel, 2017), and Leonora Carrington and the International Avant-Garde (Manchester University Press, 2017). Amy Hale is an Atlanta-based writer and critic with a PhD in Folklore and Mythology from UCLA. Her research interests include contemporary magical practice and history, art, culture, women and Cornwall. She has written widely on artist and occultist Ithell Colquhoun, and been an academic advisor to the 2025 Colquhoun retrospective at Tate St. Ives and Tate Britain. She wrote the first scholarly biography of Colquhoun, Ithell Colquhoun: Genius of the Fern Loved Gully (Strange Attractor, 2020), followed by the collection Sex Magic: Diagrams of Love, (Tate Publishing, 2024). She is also the editor of the groundbreaking collection Essays on Women in Western Esotericism: Beyond Seeresses and Sea Priestesses (Palgrave 2022). She has written extensively on magic and contemporary art, and has written for Tate, Burlington Contemporary, Art UK, The Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, Correspondences Journal and other institutions. She is an Honorary Research Fellow with Falmouth University in Cornwall, a trustee of the UK Charity Rediscovering Art by Women (RAW) and a member of the British Art Network. Beyond the Supernatural: Magic in Contemporary Art is due to be published with Tate Publishing in 2026. Original Event Date: 13 April 2025

Dr. Amy Hale and curator Jamie Sutcliffe explore the recent surge of interest in magical and esoteric art. Over the past 15 years, there has been an explosion of interest in magical, occult and esoteric art. What’s driving this shift, and why has it gained such popularity? In this lecture and discussion, Amy speaks with curator, writer and editor Jamie Sutcliffe to explore the intersecting conversations about magic and art that are shaping this compelling zeitgeist. Episode 1 of a 10-part series about magic and contemporary art (other episodes to follow in the coming months). SPEAKER BIOS Jamie Sutcliffe is a writer, curator and co-director of Strange Attractor Press. His work explores artistic encounters with science fictive fabulation, the politics of video games, animation and its entanglements with developments in the life sciences, and the persistence of myth in digital contexts. He is the editor of the books Documents of Contemporary Art: Magic, published by The Whitechapel Gallery and The MIT Press (2021), and Weeb Theory, published by Banner Repeater (2023). His essays, reviews and interviews have been published internationally by Art Monthly, Art Review, e-flux Criticism, Frieze, The White Review, Rhizome, The Quietus, and Bricks From The Kiln, amongst others. Amy Hale is an Atlanta-based writer and critic with a PhD in Folklore and Mythology from UCLA. Her research interests include contemporary magical practice and history, art, culture, women and Cornwall. She has written widely on artist and occultist Ithell Colquhoun, and been an academic advisor to the 2025 Colquhoun retrospective at Tate St. Ives and Tate Britain. She wrote the first scholarly biography of Colquhoun, Ithell Colquhoun: Genius of the Fern Loved Gully (Strange Attractor, 2020), followed by the collection Sex Magic: Diagrams of Love, (Tate Publishing, 2024). She is also the editor of the groundbreaking collection Essays on Women in Western Esotericism: Beyond Seeresses and Sea Priestesses (Palgrave 2022). She has written extensively on magic and contemporary art, and has written for Tate, Burlington Contemporary, Art UK, The Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, Correspondences Journal and other institutions. She is an Honorary Research Fellow with Falmouth University in Cornwall, a trustee of the UK Charity Rediscovering Art by Women (RAW) and a member of the British Art Network. Beyond the Supernatural: Magic in Contemporary Art is due to be published with Tate Publishing in 2026. Original Event Date: 30 March 2025

Rebecca Beattie and Mhara Starling discuss their personal experiences with fairies, witchcraft and wild places. Most people think of tiny, kindly, winged creatures when they think of fairies. In contrast, traditional folktales often depict them as full-sized, menacing and formidably powerful. In this online event, Treadwell's tutor Rebecca Beattie joins Welsh witch Mhara Starling for a conversation about fairies, nature and magic. They consider the long history of the Fae through British folklore, their famous myths and stories, and how the image of the fairy became significantly more friendly during the Victorian period. They also explore the Fae's deep roots in the land and their links to witchcraft, before discussing their personal relations with these native spirits. Expect a rich conversation between two witches of the wild places as they examine the mystery and mythos of these enchanting and often dangerous beings. SPEAKER BIOS Mhara Starling was born in North Wales, and raised on the Isle of Anglesey, an island deeply immersed in a sense of magic and mythology. She is a native Welsh speaker, and a Swynwraig, a modern day Welsh Witch. She writes and teaches on the subjects of Welsh mythology, magic, folklore and witchcraft. Her most recent book, Welsh Fairies, focuses on fairy belief and its connection to magical practice within both a historical and modern context. Rebecca Beattie grew up on Dartmoor, giving her an early love of nature and passion for storytelling. A Wiccan priestess since 2006, she has spent over 25 years practising witchcraft and has a rich understanding of the history and traditions underpinning pagan practice. She also has a doctorate in Creative Writing and is a published author. Her books include 'Planetary Magic', 'Wheel of the Year' and 'The Way Through the Woods'. Original Event Date: 11 March 2025

Rebecca Beattie introduces the great astral power of discipline, endings and creative brilliance. Throughout history, practitioners of magic have looked to the pre-modern occult planets for inspiration and aid. In this talk, Rebecca Beattie introduces the seventh (and most misunderstood) ancient astral body: Saturn. Traditionally associated with time, melancholy and mortality, it's also very closely linked to artistic expressiveness, discipline and necessary endings. Rebecca teaches the group about its subtle nature, and how to identify its plants, herbs, and other correspondences. She also outlines ways to craft effective Saturnine magic. By the end of the talk, participants will know how to work with this dark but grounding planet to create change in their own life. SPEAKER BIO Rebecca Beattie has spent over two decades studying and practising witchcraft. A Wiccan priestess of 20 years, she has a rich understanding of the history and traditions underpinning pagan practice. She also has a doctorate in Creative Writing and is a published author. Her books include 'Planetary Magic: a friendly introduction to creating modern magic with the seven energies' and the new pagan toolkit for navigating major life changes, 'The Way Through the Woods'. Original Event Date: 2 September 2024

In this quick 20-minute video, Rebecca Beattie shares some magical ideas and ritual practices around midwinter. Recorded especially for our members.

Rebecca Beattie shares a brief history of magic, some key ideas about what it is, and how to practise it. Scholars, practitioners and ordinary people have been debating about what magic is and how it works for millennia. In this talk, Rebecca Beattie explores key ideas about what magic is and how it works. She gives a short history of its practice, explores the differences between ceremonial magic and folk magic, and unpacks how its definitions have changed throughout the centuries. This includes a brief examination of '21st-century magic', and how the field of psychology and concepts such as the unconscious mind have influenced modern perceptions of magic. Finally, she talks about how to do magic effectively and ethically, sharing ideas on techniques and specific traditions. SPEAKER BIO Rebecca Beattie has spent over two decades studying and practising witchcraft. A Wiccan priestess of 20 years, she has a rich understanding of the history and traditions underpinning pagan practice. She also has a doctorate in Creative Writing and is a published author. Her books include 'Planetary Magic: a friendly introduction to creating modern magic with the seven energies' and the new pagan toolkit for navigating major life changes, 'The Way Through the Woods'.

Julian Vayne explores diverse methods to connect to the land under one's feet, whether in the city or countryside. The term 'psychogeography' refers to the practice of connecting to the land in ways that go beyond the physical. Whether moving through a wild, rural or urban environment, it's possible to do so in a way that creates heightened, even psychic, experiences. In this technique-rich online presentation, Julian Vayne shares his favourite methods to locate power spots, meet spirits and attune to hidden energies, providing practical strategies to reveal the magic in everyday life.  SPEAKER BIO Julian Vayne is an occultist with over 40 years' experience. A regular speaker at events, and facilitator of retreats and workshops, his work is informed by chaos magic, the Western Mystery Tradition, Wicca and eastern mysticism. He is a co-organiser of the psychedelic conference Breaking Convention, a founding member of the post-prohibition think-tank Transform, and sits on the academic board of The Journal of Psychedelic Studies. He facilitates psychedelic ceremony, as well as providing one-to-one psychedelic integration sessions and support. With numerous works published in both the academic and esoteric press, he is the author of 'Getting Higher: The Manual of Psychedelic Ceremony'. Original Event Date: 3 April 2024

Hannah Sanders explores the virtues and potencies of 7 of the most magical flowers in the UK. The magic of flowers is woven into all forms of enchantment, whether for healing, love or power. In this folklore-packed class, Hannah Sanders introduces 7 wildflowers in British magical tradition renowned for their magical potency. As well as delving into the unique signature and spirit of these famous blooms, Hannah explores the history of flower magic as a whole, from the symbolic language of floriography to the powerful remedies of Edward Bach. Highly recommended for beginners to plant magic alongside those looking to bring the intense and alluring influence of flowers to their practice. The 7 essential flowers: Rose, Poppy, Clover, Violet, Hawthorn, Lily, Foxglove SPEAKER BIO Hannah Sanders has a doctorate in anthropology and is a longstanding practitioner of folk and herb magic. She was the last apprentice of writer and tarot reader Joyce Collin-Smith, and she is the granddaughter of a well-known Irish fortune teller. Professionally, she is a traditional folk singer. Original event date: 10 July 2024

Rebecca Beattie introduces the great astral power of love, beauty and pleasure. Throughout history, practitioners of magic have looked to the pre-modern occult planets for inspiration and aid. In this online workshop, Rebecca Beattie explores the astral body of Venus, as it is understood in the ancient occult system. Traditionally associated with love, beauty and art, it is also strongly linked with the themes of friendship and self-care. Rebecca teaches the group about its feminine, sensual nature, and how to identify its plants, herbs, and other correspondences. She also outlines ways to craft effective Venusian magic. By the end of the class, participants will know how to work with this most seductive of planets to create change in their own life. SPEAKER BIO Rebecca Beattie has spent over two decades studying and practicing witchcraft. A Wiccan priestess of 15 years, she has a rich understanding of the history and traditions underpinning pagan practice. She also has a doctorate in Creative Writing and is a published author. Her books include 'Planetary Magic: A friendly introduction to creating modern magic with the seven energies', 'Wheel of the Year: A Nurturing Guide' and the new pagan toolkit for navigating major life changes, 'The Way Through the Woods'. Original Event Date: 16 October 2023