A Decade Between Rationality and Mystery
The 1920s are often remembered for jazz, flappers, and the rise of modernist architecture, but another powerful current shaped its visual culture: the fascination with the occult. In a decade defined by both scientific optimism and post-war disillusion, people turned to spiritual practices—tarot, astrology, séances, and mystical symbols—as a way to make sense of uncertainty. Artists, designers, and poster makers of the time wove these elements into a distinct visual language that blended glamour with esotericism.
Tarot Cards as Visual Inspiration
Tarot imagery, with its archetypal figures and dramatic symbolism, captivated both artists and audiences during the 1920s. The Fool, The Magician, and The High Priestess became more than divination tools; they were stylised motifs in posters, book illustrations, and even fashion. The fascination with these figures reflected the collective hunger for guidance and transformation after the upheaval of the First World War. Their bold lines and enigmatic expressions lent themselves naturally to graphic design and printmaking, creating artworks that balanced mystery with modernity.
Astrology and the Age of Self-Discovery
The 1920s also saw a revival of astrology, particularly in Europe and America. Newspapers began publishing horoscopes, making star signs part of everyday culture. Visual art followed suit, with posters, calendars, and magazine illustrations filled with zodiac constellations and celestial maps. These cosmic images appealed to a society seeking patterns and meaning beyond rational explanation. The blending of astronomy’s precise geometry with the mystical aura of astrology gave rise to some of the most recognisable visual symbols of the decade—sunbursts, crescents, and star-studded skies.
Mystical Posters and Theatrical Excess
Occult symbols didn’t just appear in private rituals—they became mainstream through theatre, cinema, and advertising. Posters for magic shows, horror films, and exotic cabaret acts used esoteric imagery to attract audiences. A woman in flowing robes holding a crystal ball, or a shadowy figure surrounded by runes, instantly promised both spectacle and danger. This mix of mystery and performance reflected the spirit of the 1920s: the desire to escape ordinary life through both entertainment and spirituality.
Occultism and Artistic Movements
Surrealism, which began to flourish at the end of the decade, found fertile ground in occult imagery. André Breton and other surrealists were fascinated by the unconscious, dreams, and symbolism, drawing heavily from esoteric traditions. Alchemy, astrology, and cabalistic diagrams infused surrealist works, setting the stage for decades of mystical visual experimentation. Even in Art Deco, often seen as a celebration of order and geometry, designers borrowed from Egyptian and astrological motifs, transforming them into sleek decorative patterns.
Contemporary Resonance: From Pagan Motifs to Modern Prints
The visual language of the spiritual 20s still resonates today. Occult symbols—tarot cards, zodiac signs, mystical moons—continue to inspire contemporary artists and designers. Their combination of mystery and universality makes them timeless. In my own art practice, I often echo this tradition: pagan-inspired motifs, symbolic florals, and surreal hybrids carry the same sense of hidden meaning. Just as the artists of the 1920s layered archetypes and symbols into their posters, I create wall art prints that invite viewers to search for stories beneath the surface.
Why the Occult Still Attracts
The enduring popularity of occult symbols lies in their duality. They feel ancient yet adaptable, mysterious yet recognisable. Whether in a tarot card spread, a vintage astrology chart, or a modern art print, these motifs continue to offer a way of exploring identity, destiny, and transformation. Much like the 1920s, our own era of technological change and social uncertainty makes us turn back to the symbolic, the mystical, and the unseen.
