Your cart
There are no more items in your cart
LEILA WADDELL (1880-1932)
ONE OF 17 OCCULT WOMEN PORTRAYED IN 'MUSES NO MORE'
As a prominent figure in the early 20th century esoteric scene, Leila Waddell (1880-1932) was a dedicated practitioner of Thelema, a spiritual and magical philosophy founded by Aleister Crowley. Her involvement in rituals and performances within Thelemic circles not only showcased her artistic talents but also demonstrated her commitment to exploring mystical realms beyond conventional understanding.
Leila Waddell's artistic endeavors were as diverse as they were profound.
Known for her exceptional skills as a violinist, she enraptured audiences with her performances, adding a unique flair to the esoteric gatherings she participated in, and inspired much of Crowley's ritual and political theatrics in her role as both his muse AND active collaborator.
Moreover, her interest in the occult also manifested in other forms of art and writings where she explored themes of mysticism and spirituality.
She became one of Australia's leading violinists, expressed herself skilfully as a writer & stayed a fervent supporter of Irish independence.
You will learn more about Leila Waddell in Ùna Maria Blyth's book "Muses No More: Portraits of Occult Women" where she is portrayed with 17 other women who marked the history of the Occult.
Photo: Leila Waddell performing the Rites of Eleusis in London (1910)
Muses No More: Portraits of Occult Women is a meandering ghost train through the lives, work, politics and beliefs of both familiar and lesser known female occultists from the distant past to the 21st century. From the freedom fighting New Orleans Voudon Queen Marie Laveau to the witch-next-door personality of Sybil Leek, these biographical portraits bring light to women often sidelined in occult spaces and memory in favour of the (white, male) heavyweights such as Arthur E. Waite, Aleister Crowley and Gerald Gardner.
Readers will discover that there was much more to Pamela Colman Smith’s magical undertakings than her illustrations for the Rider Waite Smith tarot deck, and that Doreen Valiente, whilst valiantly fighting for the modernisation of Wicca, was an ardent follower of televised football.