Essays on Women in Western Esotericism

This book is the first collection to feature histories of women in Western Esotericism while also highlighting women’s scholarship. In addition to providing a critical examination of important and under researched figures in the history of Western Esotericism, these fifteen essays also contribute to current debates in the study of esotericism about the very nature of the field itself. The chapters are divided into four thematic sections that address current topics in the study of esotericism: race and othering, femininity, power and leadership and embodiment. This collection not only adds important voices to the story of Western Esotericism, it hopes to change the way the story is told.

“This collection will prove extremely valuable to scholars of religion in general, and of esotericism and women’s studies in particular. Its unique contribution is manifested in being not only the first to focus entirely on women in Western esotericism, but also in its successful exploration and problematization of their relegated roles within modern occultism and its academic study.” (Shai Feraro, Women_s History Review, April 29, 2023)

“Essays on Women in Western Esotericism amply demonstrates the contribution of women as leaders, writers, and contributors to numerous branches of esoteric thought. Emphasizing the modern era, the book will surely inspire novel attempts to highlight and re-assess the contributions of women esotericists in other historical periods. … the volume is an accessible and highly engaging read. … it will be an invaluable resource both for students and more senior scholars of Western esotericism, Paganism … .” (Manon Hedenborg White, ARIES, Journal for the Study of Western Esotericism, Vol. 24 (1), 2024)

“This volume provides a good starting point for wider explorations that could include a more intersectional approach that considers how gender intersects with aspects such as class, race, or sexuality, as well as an investigation of the role of women in non-Western esoteric traditions and the evolving and changing nature of esotericism in the modern world. The volume’s comprehensive view of the history and diversity of esotericism is a welcome contribution to the current body of works in the field.” (Lulie El-Ashry, Religious Studies Review, Vol. 49 (2), June, 2023)

Amy Hale is an anthropologist and folklorist specializing in contemporary esoteric history, art and culture.  Co-edited collections include New Directions in Celtic Studies, and The Journal of the Academic Study of Magic 5. She has written widely on surrealist and occultist Ithell Colquhoun, and is the author of the Colquhoun biography Genius of the Fern Loved Gully.