Esotericism
Tarot cards, pendulums and esoteric practices are among the most fascinating expressions of the medieval worldview – and remain an integral part of medieval markets, LARP and re-enactment to this day. Whether you want to convincingly portray a fortune-teller, create an atmospheric setting for your camp, or simply delve deeper into the history of spiritual practices: this category brings together products relating to esotericism, divination and symbolic accessories for beginners and experienced performers alike.
Esotericism in the Middle Ages: Between everyday beliefs and secret knowledge
Esotericism was not a marginal phenomenon in the Middle Ages, but was deeply rooted in everyday culture and the worldview of the time. The seemingly clear distinction between church doctrine and folk magic was, in practice, fluid: Benedictine monks preserved ancient astronomical texts, whilst herbalists offered their remedies and divinatory spells for sale at village markets. Astrologers and alchemists held socially recognised roles – at the courts of Europe they were regarded as advisers and scholars, not as outsiders.
The medieval worldview emerged from a confluence of several strands of tradition: the legacy of Greek natural philosophy, Roman divination, Arabic science (particularly in astronomy and medicine) and Christian symbolism merged into a coherent, albeit multi-layered, system of interpretation. Alchemy was regarded as a serious natural science, and the quest for the philosopher’s stone as a philosophical programme. Astrology informed military commanders and city governments of auspicious times for important decisions. Fortune-tellers and seers were equally present at fairs and at princely courts.
It is this complexity that makes medieval esotericism so appealing for historical portrayal: no character – be it a druid, a witch, a court astrologer or a wandering fortune-teller – comes across as one-dimensional when underpinned by genuine background knowledge.
Tarot cards: history from playing cards to oracle
The earliest tarot card decks emerged in the 15th century in northern Italy as a form of courtly entertainment. The so-called Tarocchi were ornate playing cards commissioned for the noble courts of the Visconti and Sforza in Milan – not a divination tool, but a status symbol. Their elaborately designed Trionfi cards (later known as the Major Arcana) depicted allegorical figures drawn from courtly festive culture and religious iconography: The Fool, The High Priestess, The Wheel of Fortune, The Hanged Man – motifs that draw directly from medieval visual language.
The interpretation of tarot cards as a divination tool only developed from the late 18th century onwards in France, when occultists such as Antoine Court de Gébelin attributed an allegedly Egyptian origin to the tarot and embedded the cards within esoteric systems. For historical re-enactment, this means that anyone portraying a medieval character who uses cards for divination finds themselves in a grey area – the imagery is historical, but strictly speaking, their use as an oracle only dates from the early modern period. Many LARP and medieval market re-enactments deliberately exploit precisely this dramatic ambiguity.
Today, historically inspired tarot decks featuring motifs from the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance are available – they draw on the original imagery and are suitable both as props and for actual card readings.
An overview of pendulums, runes and other divination methods
Pendulum
A weight suspended from a string reacts to unconscious muscle movements – the interpretation of these oscillations as answers to questions asked has been documented in numerous cultures since antiquity. In the Middle Ages, pendulum divination was used for divining water (divining rods) and in the folk diagnosis of illnesses. As a prop at a stall, a metal or stone pendulum is instantly recognisable and creates a powerful atmosphere.
Rune oracle
Runes originally served as a writing system for the Germanic peoples – their use in divination by drawing or throwing inscribed stones or pieces of wood has Nordic-Germanic roots. Tacitus described the casting of lots with inscribed pieces of wood in Germania. Rune stone sets with a pouch are now a classic prop for Viking-era and Germanic characters.
Grimoires & Herbals
Handwritten books containing spells, recipes and symbolic drawings were widespread in the Middle Ages – ranging from monastic herbals to folk grimoires. Notebooks and diaries with a medieval appearance are ideal for portraying grimoires, herbals or mage’s books, and lend depth to any character concept.
Esoteric products for LARP, medieval markets and re-enactment
Characters such as fortune-tellers, witches, druids, shamans or astrologers require authentic accessories – and the right choice depends on the context in which they are used.
For a first visit to a medieval market or a simple character concept, a pendulum, a small pouch of runestones and a plain notebook with a leather cover will suffice. This combination instantly creates atmosphere and can be used credibly even without in-depth background knowledge. Incense sticks and a simple incense burner easily complete the look at the stall.
Anyone playing an esoteric character at major events such as the Drachenfest or the Conquest of Mythodea will benefit from a cohesive overall look: tarot cards as props for divination scenes, a high-quality pendulum, a set of rune stones, incense for ritual scenes and appropriate medieval jewellery with symbolic engravings. Coins can serve as magical oracle objects or as currency within the game world.
For a convincing fortune-teller’s or herbalist’s stall at a medieval market, we recommend a combination of high-quality incense resins (frankincense, myrrh), a carefully curated selection of herbs, rune stones made from natural materials, and books or cards that suit the era being portrayed. Incense sets for the Twelve Days of Christmas and seasonal festivals are a particularly atmospheric element that attracts visitors and provides a topic of conversation.
Incense burning: From medieval practice to modern ritual
Incense burning with resins and herbs was equally widespread in the church, folk medicine and folk magic – it is one of humanity’s oldest ritual practices, which did not cease during the Middle Ages but was seamlessly integrated into Christian liturgy.
| Incense | Historical context | Contemporary use |
|---|---|---|
| Incense | Church & Antiquity | Pure resins, incense blends |
| Myrrh | Ancient, Middle East | Resin blends, for meditation |
| Sage | Folk medicine | Smoking sage, cleansing rituals |
| Mugwort | Medieval herb book | Twelfth Night incense, herbal mixtures |
| Juniper | Nordic, Alpine region | Incense woods, protective incense |
| Incense sticks | Modern practice | Incense sticks & meditation, camp atmosphere |
Medieval herbals such as Hildegard von Bingen’s Physica or the Macer floridus attributed clear spiritual and medicinal effects to plants. Mugwort (Latin: Artemisia vulgaris) was regarded as a protective herb against demons and evil influences; juniper was burned to purify rooms; and frankincense was not only the scent of the church but also known in folk medicine as a substance that cleansed the respiratory tract. Incense sets for the Twelve Days of Christmas draw on this tradition and combine historical practice with a modern interest in seasonal festivals.
Frequently asked questions about tarot cards, pendulums and esotericism in the Middle Ages
The earliest surviving tarot decks date from the 15th century in northern Italy, where they originated as court playing cards (Tarocchi). Their systematic use as a divination tool only developed from the late 18th century onwards in France, when occultists incorporated the cards into esoteric systems. However, the imagery – the Fool, the High Priestess, the Wheel of Fortune – actually stems from courtly allegories and religious iconography of the Middle Ages and the early Renaissance.
A pendulum is a weight suspended from a string – typically made of metal, stone or crystal. When held still, it reacts to the holder’s unconscious, minute muscle movements, which are interpreted as answers to questions asked. The practice has been documented in various cultures since antiquity; in the Middle Ages, it was used in the search for water and hidden treasures, as well as in folk divination. As a prop, a pendulum is one of the most immediate and recognisable esoteric tools at medieval events.
For LARP, tarot cards are recommended as props for divination scenes, rune stone sets with pouches for Viking-era or Germanic characters, and a pendulum for fortune-telling interactions. At the medieval market, incense (resins, sage, herbal blends) instantly creates atmosphere at the stall and attracts visitors. Medieval notebooks and diaries are suitable as grimoire props. Additionally: jewellery with symbolic engravings and coins as oracle tools or for stall decoration.
Frankincense and myrrh were already in use in antiquity and were seamlessly incorporated into medieval church practice. Mugwort, juniper and sage are documented in medieval herbals such as Hildegard von Bingen’s Physica or Macer Floridus and had clear ritual and medicinal attributions. Mugwort was regarded as a protective plant, juniper as a purifying agent, and sage as a medicinal herb with spiritual connotations. These herbs and resins are historically grounded and well-suited for authentic re-enactment.
Runes are the writing system of the Germanic peoples, attested since around the 2nd century AD. In Germania, Tacitus described the casting of lots with inscribed pieces of wood as a divination practice of the Germanic peoples. Each rune bears a name and a symbolic meaning – for example, Fehu stands for wealth and livestock, Uruz for primal power and endurance. Today, 24 runes (the Elder Futhark) or 16 runes (the Viking Futhark) are used as an oracle system. Rune stone sets are usually made of stone, bone or wood and are kept together with a pouch.
Discover related categories
Whether you’re playing a fortune-teller at a medieval market, want to create a camp setting with an authentic atmosphere, or simply wish to delve deeper into the fascinating world of medieval esotericism – browse our range and be inspired by tarot cards, pendulums, incense and more.