Toil and Trouble: A Women’s History of the Occult

This celebration of notable magical women, from the Salem witch trials to WitchTok, is a fascinating and empowering read for anyone interested in occultism or feminist history.

From the celebrity spirit mediums of the nineteenth century to the TikTok witches hexing the patriarchy, women have long used magic and mysticism to seize back the power they’re so often denied.

Organized around different approaches women have taken to the occult
over the decades-creating new magical systems and symbols, using the
supernatural for political gain, seeking fame and fortune as spiritual
practitioners, questioning and investigating paranormal phenomena, and
embracing their witchy identities-this book shines a light on these
under-appreciated magical pioneers, including-

.
Dion Fortune, who tried to marshal a magical army against Hitler

. Tituba, the first woman in Salem accused of witchcraft

. Joan Quigley, personal psychic to Nancy Reagan

. Pamela Colman-Smith, the artist behind the Rider-Waite tarot deck

. Bri Luna, the Hoodwitch, social media star and serious magical practitioner

. Elvira, queer goth sex symbol who defied the Satanic Panic

And more mystical women from American history who found strength through the supernatural-and those who are still forging the way today. Weird sisters are doin’ it for themselves!