So Potent Art: The Magic of Shakespeare

by Emily Carding, Caitlín Matthews (Foreword)

Omens, Alchemy, and Occult Wisdom in the Works of the Great Bard

Shakespeare's plays and sonnets are steeped in magic and esoteric lore. So Potent Art explores fascinating examples of astrology, alchemy, and Hermeticism in addition to herbalism, witchcraft, fairies, ghosts, and divine intervention. This book also reveals the deeper archetypal structures of the plays and shows how the sacred architecture of the historical theater space enhances Shakespeare's magical themes.

Author Emily Carding, a Wiccan initiate and theater professional who specializes in staging Shakespeare, discusses the influence of esoteric writers such as Ovid, Agrippa, and John Dee on The Winter's Tale, The Tempest, Macbeth, and other Shakespearean works. Each chapter is accompanied by practical suggestions, rituals, and exercises for you to try, enhancing your understanding not only of the great bard's writings but also of yourself.

Genres: Nonfiction

360 pages, Paperback

First published July 8, 2021

About the author

Emily Carding is respected internationally for their esoteric writings and innovative visionary divination tools. They believe in making hidden wisdom accessible and enjoyable to all who seek knowledge, always hoping to inspire, educate and initiate.

Emily Carding is also an experienced Shakespearean actor, having appeared in versions of over twenty of Shakespeare's plays, both on stage and screen. They hold a BA (hons) in Theatre Arts from Bretton Hall and an MFA in Staging Shakespeare from the University of Exeter.

Reviews

[Elise Dennison · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a while since I've bought any books on magic. This beauty, however, intrigued me, and I'm glad it lured me in. It's gorgeously written, extremely knowledgeable, accessible, thoughtful, and surprisingly relevant to today. Emily discusses the magical influences of the time, how those influences are shown in the plays, and provides a solid set of exercises at the end of each chapter. For those not familiar with the plays, the synopses of various plays are delightful. And even if you're not an actor, it's well worth reading their personal experience of quite how magical Shakespeare can be!

[Mordred Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly inspirational book. Very thorough and insightful yet easy to follow. I love it.
I would recommend this book to anyone but especially those who need to gain a deeper understanding of Shakespeare. The theme of magic has a MUCH further reach and relevance within the Bard's work than one would expect, and learning the context of it will VASTLY improve one's understanding of the plays in general, regardless of whether one wants to actually focus on the magical elements or not.

[Sayani · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not the book I expected. Shakespeare, alchemy, magic, history, folklore, witches, and ghosts. What's not to like? Even though I am no expert in Shakespearean studies or a devotee of his works, I found the breadth and depth of research in this book exemplary. As a nonfiction reader, it is rare to find a book that you want to take up again and peruse through it just to find something new once more. John Dee and Giordano Bruno are just two well- known names for starters in this book. Full of illustrations and excerpts of Shakespeare's works throughout, the author has created an interesting collection. I think two companion books will go nicely with this work: Death By Shakespeare: Snakebites, Stabbings and Broken Hearts by Kathryn Harkup and Botanical Shakespeare: An Illustrated Compendium of All the Flowers, Fruits, Herbs, Trees, Seeds, and Grasses Cited by the World's Greatest Playwright by Gerit Quealy.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written and knowledgeable volume.

Carding’s writing is clear yet intelligent and engaging, reading much like a conversation rather than a formal (and more boring) lecture. They provide a thorough historical context and framing which helps situate the ideas presented.
One area of particular interest was the involvement of John Dee in the development of stage craft in Early Modern England and the idea of microcosm and macrocosm. Dee’s role in EM theatre, as Carding notes, is “undeniable”.
The author’s insights into the importance of figuring out under which planet Shakespeare’s characters are born offers a new (at least to me) way of delving even deeper into character analysis. Similarly, examining which elements characters are indentured with offers further insights into their psyche.
The chapter focusing on ghosts was a personal favorite and offered such wonderful discussion on Shakespeare’s plays featuring spirits.
The inclusion of brief yet thorough play summaries for all plays referenced throughout the book were a perfect addition, and one that makes the book even more accessible to those with little experience with/ knowledge of Shakespeare’s works.
Overall, a wonderful book for anyone studying/ with an interest in Shakespeare. I would particularly recommend this to educators as it offers sections which would be easy to pull from and reference while teaching.
Copy received via NetGalley.

[Lazarone · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to learn how to incorporate Shakespeares writings into your own occult workings this interesting book offers some solutions. For everyday magic there are plenty prayers and invocations which you can choose as well as to learn how to build full rituals. Add to that solid knowledge of Kabbalah and your imagination will fly high in creativity how to use verses, sonnets and even whole plays of Shakespeare (and others once you understand basic principles!) for occult techniques. One warning though! In the book there are obviously many spoilers about Shakespeares works so maybe it is best that one reads his main works (or complete) to be prepared. Now, go to YouTube and type Hekate Genesis and you can see "finished product" from the author which is all about this fine book it is.

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really an interesting read, although some of it was way over my head. Carding can make anyone fall in love with the Bard's work

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to enjoy this more. I’m not entirely sure what I expected, but it felt a little too much like someone’s thesis.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a nice read. If you're into the esoteric and up on your Shakespeare lore, this book is an adventure.

[Rosemary Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

No one has else delved so thoroughly into the hermetic underpinnings of the Bard’s vast works. This is a deeply insightful book, honed by the theatrical experience of the author and her immense fidelity to the Shakespearean art. Ms. Carding points out the planetary archetypes embodied in many of the playwright’s characters, the hermetic themes that infuse his plays, and the world of supernatural beings that inhabited the Renaissance milieu. Following these revelations, she provides the reader with guidance on the medieval art of Bibliomancy, spells, invocations, blessings and curses, using dialog from Shakespeare’s plays and poetry. Carding allows us to look at Shakespeare’s works through an esoteric lens, and with it, one catches the vision of a magical life that all in the present age could engage in and treasure.