Mystic Meg, the name behind Britain’s most famous horoscope columns, was a fixture of tabloid journalism and television for decades. Her daily predictions reached millions of readers, and her appearances on the BBC National Lottery made her a household name.
Born Margaret Anne Lake in Accrington, Lancashire, she studied English at the University of Leeds before entering journalism. She worked at the News of the World, eventually becoming its regular astrologer in the 1980s, before moving to The Sun.
Beyond her newspaper work, she was a pioneer in premium-rate phone-in astrology and an owner-breeder in horse racing. Her death in 2023 marked the end of a significant chapter in British popular culture, though her brand continues online.
Who Was Mystic Meg?
Full Name: Margaret Anne Lake
Born: 27 July 1942
Died: 9 March 2023 (aged 80)
Occupation: Astrologer, Columnist, TV Personality
- Mystic Meg was the stage name of Margaret Anne Lake.
- She was born in Accrington, Lancashire, and taught astrology by her grandmother.
- She became the regular astrologer for the News of the World in the 1980s.
- She later wrote a long-running column for The Sun.
- She appeared on the BBC National Lottery from 1994 to 2000 with Mystic Meg Predicts.
- She was described as very private, unmarried, and living in Notting Hill with seven cats.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Mystic Meg |
| Real Name | Margaret Anne Lake |
| Birth Date | 27 July 1942 |
| Death Date | 9 March 2023 |
| Age at Death | 80 years |
| Cause of Death | Influenza/flu complications (reported by multiple sources) |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Astrologer, Psychic, Columnist |
| Famous For | Horoscope columns in national newspapers |
| Website | mysticmeg.com (still active) |
What Caused Mystic Meg’s Death?
Mystic Meg died on 9 March 2023 at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London. She was 80 years old. According to reports from the BBC and The Guardian, the cause of death was complications from influenza.
Age at Death
She was 80 years old at the time of her passing. Born on 27 July 1942, her life spanned major shifts in journalism and media.
Circumstances of Her Passing
She was admitted to St Mary’s Hospital before her death. True to her private nature, the exact details surrounding her illness were not widely publicized by her family, though the official cause given was flu complications.
While influenza complications were reported by credible news outlets like the BBC and The Guardian as the cause of death, the family of Margaret Lake did not release a public statement detailing her illness. This aligns with the private life she maintained throughout her career.
What Are Mystic Meg’s Horoscopes?
Mystic Meg’s horoscopes were a staple of British tabloid journalism. She wrote daily, weekly, and monthly predictions for all zodiac signs, with a focus on accessible, direct advice.
Weekly, Monthly, and Daily Horoscopes
Her columns were syndicated widely and became a daily ritual for millions. The format was typically short, direct, and focused on practical life areas such as love, work, and money.
Horoscopes for Cancer
Mystic Meg’s weekly horoscope for Cancer (23 June – 22 July) often focused on emotional themes, home life, and family connections. For the latest Cancer horoscope, readers can visit the official website.
Daily, weekly, and monthly horoscopes under the Mystic Meg brand are still published on the official website at mysticmeg.com. The Sun newspaper also continues to feature horoscopes in its astrologer’s voice. The daily horoscope for your sign can be found there.
What Is Mystic Meg’s Net Worth and Legacy?
Mystic Meg’s net worth has been a topic of speculation, but no verified, authoritative figure has been publicly disclosed. She was a successful businesswoman who built a media empire around her brand.
Financial Estimates
Some sources suggest her wealth was believed to be in the millions of pounds, accumulated through her newspaper columns, premium-rate phone lines, and book deals. However, exact figures remain private.
The Brand After Death
The official website and social media accounts continue to post horoscopes and offer psychic readings. It is widely understood that these services are run by her estate or team, preserving the brand she built.
Mystic Meg’s official website at mysticmeg.com remains active, offering daily horoscopes and psychic readings. This is typical for established media personalities, where the brand continues after the individual’s death, managed by a team or estate to maintain the legacy.
Timeline of Mystic Meg’s Life and Career
- 27 July 1942: Born Margaret Anne Lake in Accrington, Lancashire.
- 1970s–1980s: Began her career as an astrologer, adopting the name Mystic Meg.
- 1980s: Became the regular astrologer for the News of the World.
- 1994–2000: Gained national fame with Mystic Meg Predicts on the BBC National Lottery.
- 2000s: Expanded into premium-rate phone lines, psychic readings, and book publishing.
- 9 March 2023: Died at age 80 from complications of influenza.
- 2025: Official website continues to publish daily horoscopes.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Mystic Meg was born Margaret Anne Lake on 27 July 1942. | The exact cause of death was not publicly detailed by her family, though flu complications were reported. |
| She died on 9 March 2023, at age 80. | Her net worth has no verified figure; estimates range from £1 million to £5 million. |
| She was a regular astrologer for The Sun and News of the World. | Whether the current horoscopes are written by the original Mystic Meg or by others under the brand name is not specified. |
| Her official website still provides horoscopes and psychic readings. | Exact circumstances of her death (location, duration of illness) are private. |
Why Did Mystic Meg Matter?
Mystic Meg was a defining figure in British tabloid astrology during the 1990s and 2000s. Her column reached millions weekly, and she became synonymous with mass-market horoscopes.
She represented a unique blend of entertainment and pseudo-science, often critiqued by skeptics but beloved by readers. Her role on the National Lottery cemented her status as a cultural icon.
The continued operation of her website raises questions about authenticity and legacy, similar to other deceased personalities whose brands are maintained by teams. Her death marked the end of an era for a certain type of tabloid mysticism.
Sources and Notable Quotes
“Margaret Anne Lake (27 July 1942 – 9 March 2023), best known by her stage name Mystic Meg, was an English astrologer who had a regular astrology column in The Sun and previously in the News of the World.”
“She was Britain’s most famous psychic astrologer, whose daily horoscopes were read by millions.”
Summary: The Legacy of Mystic Meg
Mystic Meg, born Margaret Anne Lake, rose from a working-class family in Accrington to become Britain’s most recognized astrologer. Her death at 80 closed a chapter in tabloid history, but her brand continues digitally. For more on iconic British entertainers, read the Elton John – Biography, Net Worth, and Key Facts or Lenny Henry – Biography, Net Worth, Family and Key Facts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mystic Meg
What is Mystic Meg weekly horoscopes for Cancer?
Mystic Meg’s weekly horoscope for Cancer (23 June – 22 July) typically focuses on emotional themes and home life. For the latest, visit mysticmeg.com or The Sun’s horoscope section.
Why is Mystic Meg still posting horoscopes after death?
The official website and social media accounts are likely managed by her estate or team, continuing the brand. It is not believed that Mystic Meg herself is writing new content.
What was Mystic Meg’s real name?
Her real name was Margaret Anne Lake. She kept her identity private during her career.
Are Mystic Meg psychic readings still available?
Yes, the official website offers psychic readings via premium-rate phone lines as of 2025.
How old was Mystic Meg when she died?
She was 80 years old. She was born on 27 July 1942 and died on 9 March 2023.
What was Mystic Meg’s cause of death?
According to reports from the BBC and The Guardian, she died from complications related to influenza.
Did Mystic Meg have children?
No, she was unmarried and had no children. She lived in Notting Hill with her seven cats.
What books did Mystic Meg write?
She published books including Mystic Meg’s Astrolife and Mystic Meg’s Lucky Numbers For Love Life And The Lottery.
What was Mystic Meg’s star sign?
Her star sign was Leo. She was born on 27 July 1942.
George Bennett is Senior Reporter at NewsPrism.co.uk, covering breaking news and general UK stories.