November has a particular energy—a quiet pause before winter’s icy embrace fully takes hold. For many, it’s a time of introspection and connection with the mystical as we prepare for the longest nights of the year. What better way to embrace this enchanting time than by exploring the vintage arts of divination? From tarot cards to scrying mirrors, these timeless tools are not only steeped in spiritual significance but are also works of art in their own right.
The Allure of Vintage Tarot Cards
Tarot cards have always been a fascinating blend of artistry and mysticism. Their intricate designs often feature celestial bodies, ethereal figures, and symbolic imagery that speaks to the subconscious. In vintage decks, especially those from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the art often carries a hand-drawn, slightly weathered quality that feels intimate, profound, and almost archaic.
Rider "Roses & Lilies" Deck c.1909
Rider "A Deck" c.1910 through c.1920
Some decks even take on wintry themes, with cool tones of blues and silvers evoking frost-covered landscapes. One can almost imagine a fortune-teller seated by a crackling fire, shuffling cards beneath the dim glow of candlelight. Decks like the 1910 Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot or the lesser-known Etteilla Tarot feature delicate line work and muted palettes that feel perfectly attuned to the reflective energy of November.
c.1783 Etteilla tarot
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Scrying Art: Mystical Windows to the Unknown
The art of scrying—gazing into reflective surfaces like water, mirrors, or crystal balls to seek visions—has long been a cornerstone of divination practices. Vintage depictions of scrying often carry a dreamlike quality, with swirling clouds, moonlit reflections, and figures lost in deep contemplation.
One particularly captivating image might depict a woman wrapped in a flowing cloak, her gaze fixed on a shimmering black mirror. These antique illustrations, often seen in old books on the occult, combine the tangible beauty of the tools with the intangible mystery of the practice itself.
c.1863 John Tenniel, The Ghost in the Looking Glass.
Scrying art frequently mirrors the natural world—literally and figuratively. Frosty water, snow-covered branches, and icy landscapes are often used as backdrops, reinforcing the connection between divination and the rhythms of the earth.c. 19th-century Victorian illustration of mirror scrying practices.
The Intersection of Divination and Winter’s Mystique
There’s something undeniably magical about the marriage of divination tools and wintry themes. The frosty imagery, soft glows of candlelight, and ethereal depictions of otherworldly figures create a narrative that feels timeless. It’s as if these pieces whisper secrets of the universe, inviting us to pause and listen.
For those of us who love November’s crisp air and quiet reflection, vintage divination art serves as a reminder that magic can be found in the small moments—a shuffle of cards, a gaze into the unknown, or the spark of inspiration found in a snowy landscape.
Where to Find Vintage Divination Art
If you’re eager to explore this niche, consider checking out antique shops, online marketplaces, or even local libraries for books on historical tarot or scrying. You’ll often find not only beautiful illustrations but also fascinating insights into how these practices evolved through the centuries.
Do you have a favourite vintage tarot deck or a particular piece of mystical art that speaks to your soul? Or perhaps you’ve tried your hand at scrying under November’s cold moonlight? I’d love to hear your thoughts and stories—share them in the comments below, and let’s celebrate the enchanting world of vintage divination together!
~ Tracey
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