Manningtree is a peaceful town, not too far away from me on the other side of Essex. On the surface, it feels calm, almost gentle. Yet beneath that stillness lies one of the darkest chapters in England’s history.
In the 1640s, Manningtree became a hunting ground where Matthew Hopkins, the 24 year old self-styled “Witchfinder General” murdered innocent women.
During a time of civil war and religious upheaval, this ominous young man claimed the authority to identify witches — those he believed were responsible for illness, misfortune and – according to Google, moral decay.
The accused women were poor, elderly, outspoken, disabled, freckly or socially isolated. Hopkins landed ‘confessions’ through torture, exhaustion and intimidation, and ‘justice’ was swift, very public and unforgiving.
These women were hanged. One tree in particular, known locally as Old Knobbly, has become a lasting symbol of these events. Between Christmas and new year, I visited this ancient tree. It stands at the edge of a small wooded area where cute little dogs were running around wearing Santa jackets and children were shrieking with laughter.
The tree survives as a quiet witness to the horrors of centuries past — a living reminder of lives lost to suspicion and moral panic.
Standing beside Old Knobbly, it was hard not to feel the weight of that history. The gnarled bark seemed ingrained with faces. We wandered around the thick trunk pointing out features that looked eerily like screaming women and frightened animals. Someone had laid red flowers in a crevice; I gently placed a stone in the same way we’d lay one on a Jewish grave.
I’d definitely have been hanged or burned at the stake. There but for the grace…
Hopkins’ campaign is thought to have led to around 100 executions, nearly half of all witchcraft deaths in England. Thankfully, he died a couple of years later. The most intense witch hunt in English history was driven by someone who was barely out of childhood, a stark reminder of how youth, authority, fear and ideology combined during a period of national instability.
Perhaps more frightening today is the reminder of how fear can be legitimised, how power can disguise itself as righteousness, and how easily humanity can be stripped away.
Rest in peace ladies.
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Looking for something fresh and engaging for your next team-building day or corporate retreat? Tarot might be the unexpected twist that makes your event memorable.
I offer virtual readings via Zoom or WhatsApp — making it easy to bring a mystical, insightful experience to your team, no matter where they’re based. We can also play a range of interesting games using the cards. However, far from being just entertainment, tarot sessions can offer moments of clarity, creativity, and self-reflection.
Whether it’s one-to-one mini-readings or a group workshop exploring themes like intuition, decision-making or team alignment, tarot always brings something meaningful to the table. It encourages reflection, sparks conversations, and fosters connection in a way that typical corporate activities often don’t.
Best of all, it’s inclusive — no prior knowledge or belief in tarot is required – just curiosity and an open mind.
If your business values innovation, wellness or a human-centred approach to work culture, this could be the perfect fit. Think of it as a mix of mindfulness, coaching, and curiosity — with a mystical twist.
Ready to add some magic to your next event?
If you’re planning an upcoming team initiative or just want to bring something novel to your workplace, tarot (including virtual tarot) could be the perfect fit. You can book a block of sessions or a pop-in Zoom room — I’m flexible, discreet and always focused on delivering a grounded, engaging experience.
And if you’re London or Essex-based, I’d be happy to hold face-to-face sessions.
Tarot isn’t woo woo — it’s a creative thinking tool. It can help guide your team to make informed decisions, provide clarity of thought and give them a little extra fun with a solid sense of wellbeing.
Feel free to get in touch if you’re interested in finding out more or booking a team session or wellness event. Call me on 07842 769235 or email info@tarotbyemail.com.
Or, if you’d like a one-to-one reading to see what it’s all about, you’re welcome to book here:
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Corporate wellness isn’t just about gym memberships and fruit bowls anymore. Forward-thinking companies are exploring unique ways to support employee wellbeing — including virtual tarot sessions.
How about offering your team intuitive mini-readings that fit seamlessly into wellness weeks, lunchtime drop-ins or team socials? Each reading offers a personal moment of reflection — often inspiring, sometimes surprising, and always confidential.
Employees love the chance to explore something mystical in a safe, supportive space. It gives them a moment to pause, check in with themselves and walk away with a fresh perspective. For employers, it’s a way to offer something truly different — without needing to coordinate physical logistics or large budgets.
Tarot encourages mindfulness, self-awareness and curiosity. It can help people to overcome stumbling blocks and focus on the direction that’s right for them. Whether someone is navigating a challenge or just feeling a little stuck, the cards often spark insights that conventional wellness offerings can’t reach.
If you’re planning an upcoming employee wellness initiative or just want to bring something novel to your team, virtual tarot could be the perfect fit. Book a block of sessions or a pop-in Zoom room — I’m flexible, discreet and always focused on delivering a grounded, engaging experience.
Or – if you’re London or Essex-based, let’s chat about me coming in to hold face-to-face sessions.
Tarot isn’t woo woo — it’s a creative thinking tool. It can help guide your team to make informed decisions, provide clarity of thought and give them a little extra fun with a solid sense of wellbeing.
Feel free to get in touch if you’re interested in finding out more or booking a team session or wellness event.
Or, if you’d like a one-to-one reading to see what it’s all about, youre welcome to book here:
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One of the most common questions tarot readers get is: “How often should I get a reading?” The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all — it very much depends on your intention, situation, and how you use tarot as a tool.
I have gently refused to give readings to people who want follow-ups too quickly. Of course there’s a worry that they’ll go elsewhere and I’ll lose them as clients, but I’m pleased to say that this hasn’t happened. (Not that I’m aware of, anyway.) People do respect if I don’t feel it’s ethically or spiritually right to give another reading too soon after their first.
If you’re consulting tarot for insight on a specific issue, it’s best to wait at least a few weeks before asking the same question again. This gives you time to reflect, take action and allow energy to shift. Asking too frequently, especially with the same question, can lead to confusion and conflicting messages.
For general guidance or spiritual check-ins, a monthly reading can be a healthy rhythm. This allows you to stay in tune with your path without becoming overly reliant on the cards. Some people benefit from quarterly or seasonal readings, especially around big transitions like a new year, birthday or career change.
However, there’s no “wrong” frequency. The key is to avoid dependency. Tarot should empower you, not make you feel stuck or anxious. If you find yourself needing reassurance from the cards constantly, it might be a sign to pause and ground yourself before coming back for another reading.
Ultimately, it’s important that you trust your intuition. When something feels unresolved or unclear despite your best efforts, that might be the right time to check in with the cards again.
Tarot works best when approached with patience, intention and respect for the process.
Have you had a reading? I conduct confidential, insightful readings with busy people over Zoom or WhatsApp, making them easy to schedule for a date and time that suits you.
Tarot isn’t woo woo — it’s a creative thinking tool. Use it to sharpen your intuition, build resilience and make informed decisions with greater clarity.
Feel free to get in touch if you’re interested in finding out more!
Or, if you’re ready to move forward, you’re welcome to book a reading here:
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