Dion Fortune

Dion Fortune is the pen name of Violet Mary Firth Evans, a British author and occultist. She was inspired to use this pseudonym by her family's motto, "Deo, non fortuna," which is Latin for "by God, not fate." This motto had a significant impact on Fortune's life and work, shaping her belief in the power of the individual to overcome adversity through spiritual connection and practice.

Fortune was a prolific writer, with a focus on novels and short stories that explored various aspects of magic and mysticism. Some of her most notable works include "The Demon Lover," "The Winged Bull," "The Goat-Foot God," and "The Secrets of Dr. Taverner." The latter is a collection of short stories based on her experiences with the occultist Theodore Moriarty. Fortune's fiction was not only entertaining, but it also served as a means of exploring and teaching complex magical concepts to a wider audience.

In addition to her fiction, Fortune wrote several important non-fiction works on magical subjects. These include "The Cosmic Doctrine," a summation of her teachings on mysticism, and "The Mystical Qabalah," an introduction to Hermetic Qabalah. She also wrote "Psychic Self Defence," a manual on how to protect oneself from psychic attacks. Fortune's writing is known for its clarity and accessibility, avoiding the deliberate obscurity that characterized many of her contemporaries.

Fortune's work has had a significant impact on the world of occultism and magic. Two of her novels, "The Sea Priestess" and "Moon Magic," have been particularly influential within the religion of Wicca, especially upon Doreen Valiente. Though some of Fortune's writings may seem dated to contemporary readers, they remain valuable for their insightful exploration of magical concepts and practices. Overall, Dion Fortune's contributions to the world of occultism and magic have been both substantial and enduring.