Avalonia was established in the late 1990s by Sorita d’Este as a personal and community-driven project rooted in a lifelong commitment to expanding esoteric knowledge and encouraging independent spiritual inquiry. Originally launched as a website, it quickly became a vibrant hub for discussion forums, monthly moots in London, and seasonal gatherings in places like Richmond Park and the gardens of the Horniman Museum.

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In 2005, Avalonia took its first steps into independent publishing when Sorita released a full-length volume on The Morrigan, co-authored with David Rankine. This publication emerged from extensive research and material developed through talks and workshops, and it met a clear need for accessible, high-quality content on a powerful but often misunderstood goddess. Its success paved the way for a growing catalogue of titles from other authors including Katie Gerrard, Payam Nabarz, Jan Fries, C.A. Smith, and Paul Harry Barron.

After relocating to Glastonbury in 2011—the mythical Isle of Avalon from which Avalonia takes its name—Sorita dedicated herself full-time to developing the press while raising her son, who is non-verbal and autistic. This phase of Avalonia’s journey deepened its focus on publishing material that blends academic rigour with spiritual insight, always grounded in direct experience and deep respect for tradition.

The catalogue has since expanded to include numerous notable titles, including a significant collection of works by Lesley Jackson exploring the deities and religious practices of ancient Egypt. These books offer a scholarly yet accessible approach to the Egyptian pantheon and have become key resources for contemporary practitioners and researchers alike.

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Avalonia is proud to publish important works from authors across the esoteric spectrum. Titles such as The Cunning Man’s Handbook by Jim Baker, and the extensive series by alchemist and occult practitioner Gary St. Michael Nottingham, offer deep dives into British folk magic and Western esotericism. Contemporary Wiccan perspectives are also well represented with titles like Vikki Bramshaw’s The Craft of the Wise and Yvonne Aburrow’s All Acts of Love and Pleasure, which explore evolving traditions with clarity and integrity.

Recent additions to our catalogue include the innovative and scholarly contributions of Christopher Plaisance, whose research into Western esoteric currents brings historical depth and intellectual clarity.

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At Avalonia, we prefer to let the work speak for itself. Our aim has never been to dominate the field, but to contribute meaningfully by publishing material that is thoughtful, challenging, and transformative. If what we publish opens the door to deeper research or inspires future works on the same subjects, we consider that a success.

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We are also committed to ethical and sustainable publishing practices. Our books are printed on environmentally responsible paper stock, and we use digital print-on-demand technology where possible to minimize waste and reduce transport emissions. We strive to keep our books affordable and accessible, and we offer Kindle editions at lower cost. No Avalonia publication will ever be bound in leather or other animal products, in line with our commitment to minimizing harm to all beings.

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Currently, we are working on new and revised editions of early titles, as well as a range of exciting forthcoming publications from both established and emerging authors in the fields of magic, mysticism, and pagan spirituality.