From astrology and alchemy to spiritual communications and angelic visions, the supernatural has fascinated royalty for centuries. Kings, queens, and emperors consulted astrologers, sought guidance from mystics, and pursued extraordinary claims promising healing, hidden knowledge, and even immortality. While some of these practices were once considered legitimate sciences, others fell into the realm of spiritual and mystical traditions. This fascination is not limited to the distant past. Even in modern times, members of the royal family openly believe in clairvoyance, spiritual healing, and other non-traditional beliefs. from the queen Elizabeth I trust astrologer John Dee, Princess Martha Louise of Norway and her school of angels, and history is full of royals who looked beyond conventional wisdom for answers.
Queen Elizabeth I and the astrologer who guided the queen
Queen Elizabeth I took the advice of John Dee, one of the most influential scholars of the Tudor era. Dee was a mathematician, astronomer and astrologer who used astrological calculations to choose the date for Elizabeth’s coronation in 1559, which he believed would bring good luck to her reign.Dee’s relationship with the future queen began years earlier. In 1555, during the reign of Elizabeth’s half-sister Mary I, he was arrested and accused of performing dangerous horoscopes on the royal family. Although he was eventually exonerated, the incident showed how seriously Tudor England took astrology. After Elizabeth became queen, Dee’s fortunes changed dramatically and he became a trusted advisor.His interests extended beyond astrology. Dee had elaborate sessions with a medium named Edward Kelly, who claimed that angels communicated through crystal objects and mirrors. Dee carefully recorded these conversations, believing they contained divine knowledge that could reveal the secrets of the universe. Although Elizabeth never openly embraced these more arcane pursuits, she still valued Dee’s advice over the decades.
Queen Victoria and Rumors of Contact with the Dead
The nineteenth century saw the rise of Spiritualism, a movement centered on communicating with departed souls. After the death of Prince Albert in 1861, there were rumors that Queen Victoria attended a party where the press attempted to contact her late husband.One of the most enduring stories involves a teenage medium named Robert James Lee. According to later accounts, Lees entered a trance at a party and claimed to be able to channel Albert’s spirit. Some versions of this story suggest that Victoria was so impressed that she invited him to further lessons. Historians have never found conclusive evidence that these encounters occurred, but the story became part of Victorian folklore.Another enduring legend is John Brown, Victoria’s loyal Scottish servant and companion. Rumor has it that Brown acted as a spiritual intermediary through whom the Queen could feel closer to her late husband. Whether true or not, these stories reflect Victoria’s deep sorrow and the era’s fascination with spiritual communication.
Queen Alexandra and the Mystics Rasputin
Few royal families are as famous for their ties to the supernatural as Empress Alexandra Feodorovna and Grigory Rasputin. Desperate to help her son Alexei, who suffers from hemophilia, Alexandra becomes convinced that Rasputin possesses extraordinary psychic abilities.One of the most famous incidents occurred in 1912, when Alexei suffered a severe hemorrhage that doctors feared would be fatal. Rasputin, who was hundreds of miles away, reportedly sent a message urging the family to remain calm and avoid disturbing the boy with excessive medical treatment. To the surprise of the royal family, Alexei’s condition quickly improved.This incident solidified Alexandra’s confidence in Rasputin. Critics in court viewed him as a manipulative charlatan who preyed on the family’s fears, while Alexandra viewed him as a divinely guided healer. The controversy over Rasputin’s influence became so intense that it damaged the Romanov family’s reputation and contributed to growing public dissatisfaction with the monarchy.
Rudolf II The search for hidden knowledge
holy roman emperor Rudolf II turned Prague into a center of alchemy, astrology and esoteric learning. Scholars and mystics from across Europe gathered at his court, attracted by the emperor’s fascination with secret knowledge.Among the visitors were John Dee and Edward Kelly, who arrived in Prague promising expertise in alchemy and the occult sciences. Rudolf funded experiments aimed at discovering the Philosopher’s Stone, a legendary substance thought to be able to transform base metals into gold and confer immortality.The emperor’s fascination with the occult extended to collecting rare manuscripts and occult artifacts. He is often considered the earliest owner of the Voynich Manuscript, one of the most famous undeciphered texts in the world. The book’s strange illustrations and unknown language only deepened Rudolf’s reputation as a ruler fascinated by hidden mysteries.
Catherine de Medici and the Prophecies of Nostradamus
Queen Catherine de’ Medici of France became one of the most controversial royal figures in history, with political opponents often accusing her of witchcraft. Although there is little evidence to support this claim, her interest in astrology is well documented.Her fascination with prophecy led her to invite Nostradamus to the French court after reading his famous collection of prophecies. She reportedly asked him to prepare horoscopes for her children, several of whom later became kings of France.One story often associated with Catherine involves the prophecy that her husband, King Henry II, would die in a duel. In 1559, Henry was mortally wounded during a joust when a spear broke and pierced his eye. Although the details are still disputed, the event greatly enhanced Nostradamus’ reputation and strengthened Catherine’s belief in astrological predictions.
The Emperor Seeking Immortality
Emperor Yongzheng of China pursued one of mankind’s oldest dreams: eternal life. Like many rulers before him, he took alchemical elixirs believed to grant immortality.The emperor developed close ties with Taoist practitioners who claimed to possess secret knowledge of longevity. Court records show he ordered ingredients and remedies tied to the alchemical tradition and actively pursued formulas that promised longevity.Ironically, the substance intended to save his life may well have ended his life. Historians now believe that mercury-based compounds found in many miracle cures caused the fatal poisonings. His death in 1735 is one of history’s most striking examples of a ruler ruined by his pursuit of immortality, which he hoped would save him.
Princess Wyeth and the Royal Witchcraft Scandal
During the Joseon Dynasty in South Korea, Crown Princess Hye was involved in a scandal that allegedly involved magical rituals designed to win the favor of her husband, Crown Prince Munjong.According to historical records, the princess sought advice from a palace maid named Hojo. Hojo allegedly instructed her to burn her rival’s shoes and mix the ashes into the prince’s wine in an attempt to influence his feelings. Another ritual reportedly involves wearing clothing treated with snake-related ingredients, believed to inspire feelings.When suspicious items were discovered in the palace, an investigation was immediately launched. Hwi eventually admitted to participating in the rituals. The consequences were severe: Hojo was executed, the princess was stripped of her title and expelled from the court.
Friedrich Wilhelm II and Ghostly Guidance
King Frederick William II of Prussia became interested in Rosicrucianism, an esoteric movement that combined mysticism, spirituality, and secret teachings.His fascination deepened after meeting Johann Rudolf von Bischoffswerder, an army officer who claimed to know occult practices and occult wisdom. Frederick William came to believe that secret spiritual forces could guide political and personal decisions.A famous story describes a séance held at Charlottenburg Palace, during which a mechanical device was said to have helped conjure the spirit of Frederick William’s ancestor, the great Elector. Witnesses claimed that the ghost advised the king on matters of conduct and morality. Whether they were sincere beliefs or elaborate dramas, these stories shaped his image as one of Europe’s most mystical-minded monarchs.
norwegian clairvoyant princess
Princess Martha Louise of Norway is a modern example of royal interest in the paranormal. After stepping back from many official royal duties, she built her public career around claims of clairvoyance and spiritual communication.In 2007, she co-founded an institution called Angel School, where participants paid to learn techniques for communicating with angels and receiving spiritual messages. The project attracted widespread media attention and criticism from skeptics who questioned its claims.The controversy intensified after she began a relationship with Durek Verrett, a self-proclaimed shaman who made many unconventional statements about healing and spirituality. The couple’s activities have sparked debate across Norway about the royal family’s role in promoting spiritual beliefs, making Martha Louise one of the most high-profile modern royals to be linked to the paranormal.
