About
In the town cemetery of Glastonbury lies the grave of Violet Mary Firth, better known by her magical name, Dion Fortune. A British occultist, magician, and author, she was one of the most influential and important mystics of the early 20th century, yet her legacy is often overlooked.
Fortune became interested in esoterism at a young age, and became a prominent author and teacher of the occult arts, cofounding the occult organization the Fraternity of the Inner Light. She was also a prolific writer, and her books influenced many pagan groups still active today, such as wicca.
The name "Dion Fortune" was derived from her motto, "God not Fortune," which she adopted when initiated into the prominent Victorian-era occult fraternity, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Her most famous book, The Sea Priestess, is magical realist work still widely read and loved, as is her nonfiction manuscript, The Mystical Qabalah.
Fortune's modest memorial in the Glastonbury cemetery is well cared for. It receives many hundreds of visitors each year, who come to pay their respects and receive inspiration at the tomb of the departed mystic.
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Know Before You Go
Park by the iron railing on Wells Road and walk through little iron gates (which are not locked) up the path. You pass the cremations on left, and the row with Dion Fortune's grave is on the right. The cemetery is open at night.
Published
March 1, 2019
