Ruth White, affectionately known as Cookie, has lived a life rich in creativity, spirituality, and personal transformation. Her journey began in the fashion world, where she trained at the London College of Fashion from the age of fifteen. By seventeen, she was already working as a designer and pattern cutter, making a name for herself in the fashion industry. Despite her success in this field, her life soon took a different path as she began to explore the world of the psychic, spiritual, and metaphysical.
Her interest in the mystical arts began when she was just nineteen years old, when she first discovered palmistry. Ruth vividly recalls sitting on a beach, surrounded by young people eagerly waiting for her to read their palms. This marked the beginning of her lifelong journey into the world of astrology, psychic abilities, and spiritual exploration. Soon after, Ruth taught herself astrology with the help of Linda Goodman’s Sun Signs and Parker’s Astrology, diving deeper into the intricacies of the zodiac and the influence of the stars.
Ruth’s growing curiosity led her to become involved in the Harrow Astrological and Psychic Society, a local group that quickly became a central part of her life. As the program arranger for the group, she became closely connected with various branches of psychic and spiritual subjects, learning from many different teachers and mentors. These early experiences marked the beginning of a lifelong passion for all things metaphysical.
Alongside her exploration of spirituality, Ruth began participating in psychic fairs. Traveling locally and sometimes farther afield with her husband, Geoff, she would provide readings for a variety of people. Although she enjoyed offering her insights, Ruth found that the work could be draining, and eventually, after several years, she decided to take a step back from the fairs. She later pursued formal training at the College of Psychic Studies in Queensberry Place, South Kensington, where she spent a couple of years honing her psychic abilities. This period of study was concurrent with her career as a couturiere, where she designed exquisite ball gowns for special occasions, often creating them in her home workshop.
In her later years, Ruth discovered a new creative outlet: painting. Though she had always dabbled in illustration, creating sketches for fashion advertisements and designing dresses for her clients, it was only in the past fifteen years that she began to take painting seriously. Her artistic journey took off when she joined the Harrow Art Society, where she eventually became the administrator and exhibition organizer. It was here that Ruth began to channel her spirituality directly into her art, believing that her higher self guided her in her creative endeavours.
Ruth’s paintings reflect her deep spiritual beliefs. She often experiences moments of inspiration in the middle of the night, when ideas come to her in a rush, sometimes dictated by an inner voice that she has learned to trust. While Ruth initially argued with this voice, over time, she realized it was always right, and she now embraces the guidance it provides. This intuitive approach to creativity has led Ruth to create works that are deeply connected to her spiritual journey. Many of her paintings are inspired by animals, a theme she developed after a life-changing trip to Swaziland, South Africa, in 2013. During a memorable art safari, Ruth had the opportunity to observe and paint wildlife in its natural habitat. Giraffes, lions, rhinos, and birds all found their way onto her canvas, and these experiences now fill the walls of her home.
As a designer, Ruth also incorporates her spirituality into her work. When creating dresses for special occasions, she describes the process as “psychic dressmaking.” She listens to the energy of her clients, forming an image of them in their dress before she even begins to sketch. This unique approach, which blends psychic insight with design, is a reflection of Ruth’s deep belief in the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.
Ruth’s psychic abilities have led her to a variety of unusual and intriguing experiences. She was once invited by Lady Elizabeth Anson, the Queen’s cousin and a well-known party planner, to read the palms of her office staff. This led to an invitation to a highly exclusive event – the wedding of John Paul Getty III and Gisela Zacher in 1974. The event, held at Getty’s picturesque home in Wormsley, Buckinghamshire, was attended by many celebrities, and Ruth had the opportunity to read the palms of the Getty family, though the rainy weather prevented her from reading many of the other guests.
Over the years, Ruth has continued to explore her spiritual and artistic interests. She began designing her own range of astrological birthday cards in 2017, incorporating her watercolors and Sharpie pen drawings into unique, personalized designs. Ruth’s artistic process is deeply influenced by her spirituality. She paints in her small conservatory, often listening to music that sets the mood for her work and lighting incense to help focus her energy. This ritualistic approach to art-making allows her to connect with her higher self and create pieces that are aligned with her intuition and spiritual beliefs.
When faced with important decisions, Ruth often turns to the tarot for guidance. She has found the tarot to be an invaluable tool, one that provides clarity and direction when needed most. Her connection to the mystical world extends beyond the tarot and into the realm of dreams. Ruth has experienced predictive dreams throughout her life, some of which were featured in a book titled The Hidden Power of Dreams by Dr. Robin Royston, where her name was changed to Rachel. These dreams have only strengthened her belief in the interconnectedness of all things and the power of intuition.
Ruth’s son, Clifford White, has followed in her footsteps, becoming a musician and composer deeply involved in New Age spirituality and metaphysical subjects. They often have long discussions about astrology, spirituality, and the mysteries of the universe.
Today, Ruth White is focused on sharing her artistic work with a wider audience. She is in the process of setting up an online shop where she will offer prints of her animal paintings and other artwork.
