The Centre for Magic and Esotericism
The Centre for Magic and Esotericism
Posted by vk290
27 January 2026
On an otherwise rainy Thursday, students from the MA Magic and Occult Sciences course were lucky enough to enjoy a memorable (free!) trip to Exeter Cathedral, where we were treated to a guided tour led by the cathedralās own expert staff. Stepping inside from the rain-soaked streets, we were immediately immersed in a space dense with history, symbolism and unquestionable atmosphere. For several students, this was not only their first visit to the cathedral but also one of their first opportunities to properly explore the city itself, making the experience especially meaningful.
The tour was thorough and well-read, with many opportunities to find elements of magical interest for the students. Among the many highlights was the much-loved Green Man peering down from the ceiling, sparking lively discussion about foliate imagery and its enduring magical resonances, even within a traditionally Christian space. We also lingered over the many beautifully carved animals tucked around various chantries, noticing how these figures quietly populate the sacred space with layers of meaning, myth and marginalia built into their iconography. As we moved through the cathedral, our guides shared a selection of haunted tales and uncanny anecdotes, which felt especially potent while walking through such a notorious and storied building.
Students were particularly attentive to the cathedralās use of colour, paintwork and visual symbolism, noting how imagery guides both devotion and interpretation. Despite the grey, rainy weather outside, the day itself was warm, engaging, and inspiringāa lovely experience all round and a reminder of how living spaces of worship continue to invite magical and historical inquiry.
Thanks must go to Dr Emily Selove for organising the trip and to the attentive staff at Exeter Cathedral.
