Midnight Magic Tarot is a beautifully illustrated deck of tarot cards designed to tap into the mysteries of the night. Created by artist Linda Ravenscroft and author Barbara Moore, this deck aims to explore the hidden depths of the human psyche and uncover the secrets that lie within. The Midnight Magic Tarot deck features 78 cards, each with its own unique artwork and symbolism. The illustrations are dark and enchanting, filled with ethereal beings, magical creatures, and haunting landscapes. The cards are rich in symbolism and detail, inviting the reader to embark on a journey of self-discovery and introspection. The imagery of the Midnight Magic Tarot is heavily influenced by Celtic mythology and folklore, as well as various occult traditions.
But who were these men? What drove them to seek out witches and witchcraft? And did they really believe in any of it? Let's take a look at what it was really like being a witch-hunter — and what you could expect if you, too, were forced to face one.
Due to the strange events and numerous killings that occur in the first book because of Matthew and Drake, Sheriff Carol Dalton reforms the council with the help of Jasper Andrews. Ultimately, while the phrase witch hunt might evoke ideas of mystery and magic, it s really only a term for blame for finding someone, anyone, to blame for something that really might not even have a cause.
The imagery of the Midnight Magic Tarot is heavily influenced by Celtic mythology and folklore, as well as various occult traditions. Each card represents a different aspect of human existence and can be interpreted in a variety of ways. From the Major Arcana cards, which depict archetypal figures and universal themes, to the Minor Arcana cards, which focus on the everyday aspects of life, this deck offers a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to tarot reading.
Matthew Hopkins – The Real Witch-Hunter
From the 16th century, England was in the grips of hysteria over witchcraft, caused in part by King James VI, who was obsessed with the dark arts and wrote a dissertation entitled “Daemonologie” in 1599.
James had been influenced by his personal involvement in the North Berwick witch trials from 1590, and amassed various texts on magical studies that he published into three books to describe the topics of magic, sorcery, and witchcraft, and tried to justify the persecution and punishment of a person accused of being a witch under the rule of canonical law.
The published works assisted in the creation of the witchcraft reform, that led to the English Puritan and writer – Richard Bernard to write a manual on witch-hunting in 1629 called “A Guide to Grand-Jury Men”. Historians suggest that both the “Daemonologie” and “A Guide to Grand-Jury Men” was an influence that Matthew Hopkins would draw inspiration from and have a significant impact in the direction his life would take many years later.
Matthew Hopkins was born in Great Wenham, located in Suffolk, England, and was the fourth son of James Hopkins, a Puritan vicar of St John’s of Great Wenham. After his father’s death, Hopkins moved to Manningtree in Essex and used his inheritance to present himself as a gentleman to the local aristocracy.
Hopkins’ witch-finding career began in March 1644, when an associate, John Sterne alleged that a group of women in Manningtree were conducting acts of sorcery and were trying to kill him with witchcraft. Hopkins conducted a physical investigation of the women, looking for deformities and a blemish called the “Devil’s Mark” which would lead to 23 women (sources differ in the number) being accused of witchcraft and were tried in 1645. The trial was presided over by the justices of the peace (a judicial officer of a lower or puisne court), resulting in nineteen women being convicted and hanged, and four women dying in prison.
After their success in the trail, Hopkins and Stearne travelled throughout East Anglia and nearby counties with an entourage of female assistants, falsely claiming to hold the office of Witchfinder General and also claimed to be part of an official commission by Parliament to uncover witches residing in the populous by using a practice called “pricking”. Pricking was the process of pricking a suspected witch with a needle, pin or bodkin. The practice derived from the belief that all witches and sorcerers bore a witch’s mark that would not feel pain or bleed when pricked.
Although torture was considered unlawful under English law, Hopkins would also use techniques such as sleep deprivation to confuse a victim into confessing, cutting the arm of the accused with a blunt knife (if the victim didn’t bleed then they’d be declared a witch) and tying victims to a chair who would be submerged in water (if a victim floated, then they’d be considered a witch).
This proved to be a lucrative opportunity in terms of monetary gain, as Hopkins and his company were paid for their investigations, although Hopkins states in his book “The Discovery of Witches” that “his fees were to maintain his company with three horses”, and that he took “twenty shillings a town”. Historical records from Stowmarket shows that Hopkins actually charged the town £23, taking into account inflation would be around £3800 today.
Between the years of 1644 and 1646, Hopkins and his company are believed to be responsible for the execution of around 300 supposed witches and sent to the gallows more accused people than all the other witch-hunters in England of the previous 160 years.
By 1647, Hopkins and Stearne were questioned by justices of the assizes (the precursor to the English Crown Court) into their activities, but by the time the court resumed both Hopkins and Stearne retired from witch-hunting.
That same year, Hopkins published his book, “The Discovery of Witches” which was used as a manual for the trial and conviction of Margaret Jones in the Massachusetts Bay Colony on the east coast of America. Some of Hopkins’ methods were also employed during the Salem Witch Trials, in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692–93, resulting in hundreds of inhabitants being accused and 19 people executed.
Matthew Hopkins died at his home in Manningtree on the 12th August 1647 of pleural tuberculosis and was buried in the graveyard of the Church of St Mary at Mistley Heath. Within a year of the death of Hopkins, Stearne retired to his farm and wrote his own manual “A Confirmation and Discovery of Witchcraft” hoping to further profit from the infamous career path both men had undertaken that caused the death of hundreds of innocent souls.
Matthew Hopkins, known as the "Witchfinder General," published a book called The Discovery of Witches in 1647. A somewhat random series of ramblings, The Discovery of Witches is actually, well, an antique FAQ. It also contains some of the most adorable drawings of familiars available even today. And he wasn't alone in his publishing.
One of the unique features of the Midnight Magic Tarot is the inclusion of a guidebook written by Barbara Moore. This guidebook provides detailed explanations of each card, as well as instructions on how to perform readings and interpret the symbolism within the deck. Whether you are a seasoned tarot reader or a beginner, this guidebook can be a valuable resource in helping you deepen your understanding of the cards and their meanings. In addition to its artistic and interpretive qualities, the Midnight Magic Tarot also serves as a tool for personal growth and transformation. By using the cards as a means of self-reflection and introspection, individuals can gain insight into their own thoughts, emotions, and actions. The deck encourages users to explore their innermost desires, fears, and dreams, ultimately leading to a greater sense of self-awareness and empowerment. Overall, the Midnight Magic Tarot is a stunning and thought-provoking deck that offers a unique and captivating approach to tarot reading. Whether you are a believer in the mystical or simply appreciate beautiful artwork, this deck is sure to inspire and enchant. So, if you are ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and tap into your own midnight magic, this deck may be the perfect tool for you..
Reviews for "How to Incorporate Midnight Magic Tarot into Meditation Practice"
1. Jane - 1 star - Midnight Magic Tarit was a total disappointment for me. The storyline was weak and predictable, and the characters lacked depth and development. The writing was also subpar, with numerous grammatical errors and awkward sentences. Overall, it felt like a rushed and poorly crafted novel that failed to capture my attention and left me wanting more.
2. Mark - 2 stars - I had high expectations for Midnight Magic Tarit, but unfortunately, it fell short. The plot had potential, but it was poorly executed. The pacing was off, with slow and dragging sections followed by sudden rushed climaxes. The author seemed more focused on creating dramatic moments rather than building a coherent and engaging narrative. Additionally, the dialogue felt forced and unrealistic, further diminishing my enjoyment of the book. Overall, I found it to be a mediocre read that didn't live up to its hype.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I'm not usually one to dislike books, but Midnight Magic Tarit left me disappointed. The characters felt flat and cliché, lacking any real depth or relatability. The plot was predictable, with no real surprises or twists to keep me engaged. The world-building was also lacking, leaving me with limited understanding and connection to the story. While the writing wasn't terrible, it failed to captivate me or make me invested in the outcome. Overall, it was a forgettable and underwhelming read for me.