Charubel

John Thomas (1826–1908) was a Welsh mystic and astrologist of the late 19th century. He used the professional name Charubel to practice, claiming to be an clairvoyant, occultist and herbalist. He was the co-author of Degrees of the Zodiac Symbolised.

Early years
Thomas was born in 1826 in Wales. As a young man, he studied for the Christian ministry, but ultimately followed occult and psychic interests. He was a curative Mesmeraist.

Writings
Adopting the pseudonym "Charubel", he published numerous books and was editor of several esoteric periodicals. He published a monthly magazine called The Occultist.

Thomas first met Alan Leo in person in 1889. The symbols of the degrees of the Zodiac was first published as a series of articles in Leo's Astrologer's Magazine over a three-year period starting in December 1890.

In 1906, he published The Psychology of Botany, Minerals and Precious Stones.

His book, Degrees of the Zodiac Symbolised was co-authored with the much younger mystic and astrologer Sepharial (Dr Walter Gorn Old). It was published in 1907.

Personal life and death
He became very ill in 1891. Penniless, he relied on the care of others and was visited by occultists who traveled from all over the world to study with him. He died in 1908 in Manchester.