Stores that carry or can order my work:
ARIZONA:
http://www.witchvox.com/vn/vn_detail/dt_sh.html?a=usaz&id=5305
Jane, the proprietor of Dragonstar, which is based in Mesa (east of Phoenix), has a powerful sense of beauty which is evident in many of her selections for her store, both in art and music. This is probably one of the most artistically diversified metaphysical shops in the Phoenix area; a good choice for locals searching for tasteful gifts as well as metaphysical, specifically pagan/Earth spirited, accessories. Dragonstar also presents the 2008 Arizona Witches' Ball.
http://www.newage-store.com/alpha_books.htm
Pretty much in the center of the Phoenix area, the Alpha Book Center, having been around a long time, has access to some very arcane and hard to find materials and resources. They also sponsor lectures and classes on metaphysical subjects.
http://www.theastrologystore.com
Located on the northwestern side of Phoenix, The Astrology Store carries a very wide selection of materials, including used books that are difficult to find and jewelry and artworks with a unique flair. The front display room showcases some gorgeous Egyptian-style furnishings and wall hangings unlike any I have seen elsewhere. A prime specialty is a broad selection of readings and divinations: the owner, Dave Campbell offers many different kinds of astrological readings, psychic-medium services, Tarot, hypnotherapy, etc. and heads a staff of several other readers as well.
http://www.fantasiacrystals.com
In a sense, two shops in one, because Northern Winds (proprietor: Mike Erwin) is housed within the space that contains Fantasia. Diane Maerz, the proprietor of Fantasia, hosts a charming boutique painted in soft aquamarine, which is very soothing when coming in from the hot Phoenix sun. Not only is she gracious herself but one of her featured psychic readers, Katie Starr, literally gave me the shirt off her back when I told her how much I admired it! The sense of positive connection and social mission is intensely nurturing here; I would visit just to experience that-- but fortunately both stores have an excellent selection of tasteful and useful gifts ranging from jewelry and clothing to appurtenances, books and tools.
http://blackrosecaffe.com
If you are in Tucson, "Come to the Dark Side-- we have cookies!" as proclaims a bumper sticker under the front counter. And they mean it! This is not the first time I have encountered a coffee shop/occult store hybrid, but this one is very successful-- probably because its deep red walls house a certain Goth/Darkwave sensibility that pervades both aspects of itself. (I have noticed an attraction to night-side themes and images in extremely sunny climes like Arizona and New Orleans; it must represent some kind of balancing.) The food is delicious and the art and other offerings diversified, since they present many locals as well as the more widely known artisans. Also quite spacious and accommodating to fringe societies of all sorts. Frankly, every city should have a place like this to support and hang out in!
http://theblueeyedwitch.com
Yes!... Kelly (the proprietor) does have blue eyes (very blue). The interesting impression goes further than the name: located in Tombstone (southern Arizona), a town so given over to the mystique of the Wild Wild West, one is almost surprised to see it contain such a beautiful metaphysical haven. Yet the more time you spend there, the more appropriate it feels, since it is a different kind of shopping experience than offered by the rest of town.
sourcewithin@yahoo.com
Bisbee, the location of The Source Within, is a fascinating art colony/bohemian hangout located in a former copper mining town not too far from the Mexican border, yet known for its temperate, high-altitude weather year round. Art is so integrated into Bisbee that all the locals decorate their houses with an idiosyncratic abandon usually only seen in the "artsy" sections of big cities. The Source Within is immediately downtown in the center of "Old Town" and is Bisbee's primary focus for metaphysical supplies and information. Local art is featured here; a striking painting of Kali hangs near the register.
CALIFORNIA:
http://www.afaerytale.com
Based in Benicia, CA (Northern section of the East Bay Area). A new store owned by Ron and Karen Cordes, dedicated to the themes and expressions of faeries. Ron has authored A Faery Tale, a book which expresses his personal connection with the Fae.
http://www.dolphindream.com
Located in Walnut Creek in the East Bay, this store was already known with its previous ownership as one of the most diversified metaphysical stores in the entire Bay area: it changed hands November 1, 2007. The new owners are Chas Bogan and Storm Faerywolf, owners and publishers of Carnivalia and WITCH EYE; and influential leaders of the “New Generation” of Feri Culture and community. Exciting developments will be in store (pun intended) and this is one establishment well worth the commute to investigate. They are located in a high-density shopping area so be aware that nearby validated parking is available (call for info.)
http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/phoenix_rising_chico
Located in Chico (North Central California between Redding and Sacramento), “one of the few areas of the country capable of completely sustaining itself agriculturally.” The proprietors, Aileonna Dragon and John Wells, pursue a Hellenic path with a strong connection to the ecstatic current but make their business a site of bridge making and community building for all paths and traditions in the area.
http://www.panpipes.com
The Panpipes Magickal Marketplace is located in the center of the Hollywood district of L.A., so parking is very hard to come by-- just a warning! However, this exquisite store is highly worth the effort; this jewel box contains a startlingly diversified apothecary and perfumery, occult supplies of every kind, curios, artworks, ritual implements, etc.; and the two women who run this establishment-- Jymie and Vicky, pack an impressive array of experience and services under their mutual belts. For more information, check out their website and look under their personal profiles. I was as impressed to meet them in person as I was to read their resumes!
http://www.airandfire.com
"Air and Fire is family owned and operated in Boulder Creek, California. (Between the SF Bay Area and Santa Cruz.] We started out in 1999 as a Mystical Bazaar, carrying a variety of arts, crafts, ritual items and supplies relating to various earth and spiritual based pagan traditions. {Excellent store pictures on their website give a detailed impression of what is like to be there.]... We have our own unique line of natural and magical products carefully handcrafted to our conscientious expectations of what a magical product should be. Guided by spirit, we craft our products in small batches with heart and much care coupled with the energies of the earth, sun and moon's cycles. " Emelía and Lobo, the owners of Air and Fire, have been trained in Lucumi and in the Firedrake Feri lineage, in addition to having wide acquaintance with many diverse spiritual paths-- this familiarity with less known paths and systems lends their shop a nuance that is uncommon indeed.
http://www.altarbookshoppe.com
Altar is a gold-colored oasis in the midst of "Old Town" Bakersfield in mid-central Southern California. The day I arrived people were coming in from as far as 50 or more miles away for a "Pagan Parents" experiential workshop presided by Katie and Esteban, the two owners, which showed me immediately what an important networking hub for the area this store is. Inside, the walls are colored differently in every room and many creative surprises are tucked into the shelves and corners. They feature, among many other things, local artists who create striking naïve big-eyed Goddess paintings, and cunning miniature installations that incorporate Egyptian and other statuettes into natural-materials dioramas. Altar is a haven, fresh water in a dry and windy land.
MINNESOTA:
http://www.magusbooks.com
Magus Books and Herbs, based in Minneapolis, MN. Metaphysical books, herbs, incense, music and ritual supplies. This is the businesss that gave me my start selling my artwork so long ago.....
http://www.evenstarbooks.com
Originally started by Loui Pieper over thirty years ago, Evenstar is one of the oldest and most influential Pagan metaphysical shops in the U.S. Based in St. Paul, MN. It is noted especially for its School of Sacred Paths, which has been teaching classes and sponsoring workshops and forums for decades. Evenstar also co-hosts the Coffee Cauldron, a weekly Pagan/other social meetup that has been running for about 12 years or more (!). Gillian Osborn, previously store manager, currently owns and presides, and plans many exciting new developments.
http://www.eyeofhorus.biz
Based in Minneapolis, MN, in the Uptown neighborhood, Eye of Horus is presided by Thraicie Hawkner, whom I have known in the local community since we were both barely legal (!) I have watched Thraicie carefully evolve her business over the years; she brings an exceptional level of taste and reverence to her offerings for the public. (As a vendor I appreciate how she handles my, or anyone else’s, art with a respect that seems to imbue it with value from the start.) Upstairs there is a small art gallery that features local metaphysical artists.
NEVADA:
http://www.wicca-world.com
There is no other store in Las Vegas that I would recommend as much as Wicca World, which as the name implies, is run by an "old school" and very gracious Lady Morgan. "All your altar needs and occult supplies, magic statuary, books, tarot cards, jewelry, robes, capes, spells, herbs, candles, oils, incenses, etc." Psychic readers and classes are also offered here. Take a break from "The Strip" and relax in this shop. After all, how often will you be able to find a Wiccan shop that carries ALL of the usual offerings but also old-school scourges and athamés? I was particularly impressed to see an Orphic Mysteries statue of the Cosmic Serpent encircling the Universe-Egg-- no other store I have seen has had that one. "Come on in, browse around, have a glass of iced tea and chat for a spell!"
NEW MEXICO:
http://www.giftsfromtheangels.com
Right in the heart of UFO Central-- Roswell, New Mexico-- in fact, right next to the famous UFO museum, Gifts from the Angels is perhaps the only downtown business that does not feature at least one "alien" in its window display! You would be surprised how many unique and hard to find items Scott, the owner, has placed in his store, as it is on the small side. But it was the only place in either Arizona or New Mexico where I was able to find the newest copy of FAERIE MAGAZINE, for instance. Bringing that up to Scott got us talking about the Faerieworlds Festival, where I mentioned having been the "Blue Man" for the last two years, which is how he recognized me (turns out I was in an ad for FW 2008 on the back cover). We had a wide ranging discussion that touched on the tightness and solidarity of the SW desert metaphysical community, which emphasized all over again how important small businesses of this nature are in cementing the connections of people spread far out in the desert.
http://www.mystic-wonders.com
Dee, the proprietor of Mystic Wonders in Alamogordo, NM, informed me at our first meeting that the area between the surreal White Sands desert (a natural gypsum desert located 25 miles west of Alamo'), and Roswell, is full of "high energy" ley lines that attract a high proportion of psychically sensitive people to live there. (I could feel it myself!) And naturally, Mystic Wonders is their community hub. They are particularly well-equipped to host classes and meetings because the front room of the spacious store is devoted to tables and chairs for meeting. Nowhere else in the Alamogordo area can one find such an offering of tools and supplies for the metaphysical journey.
http://www.BlueEagleBookShoppe.com
In business since 1985, the Blue Eagle is the largest and most complete metaphysical emporium in Albuquerque and the state of New Mexico as well. This is the place to come to get connected with what's happening in Northern NM as "our mission is to provide a resource for all spiritual seekers." The breadth of experience of Mitchell Rubin, owner, and Caroline Calisto, manager, shows not only in the wealth of offerings within the store but also in resources and information that they can provide.
http://www.moondancernm.com
Located in historic Corrales, NM, due north and slightly west of Albuquerque proper, Moondancer offers not only locally made art and jewelry and metaphysical books and gifts ("objects of wonder") but a "wide range of counseling, healing and psychic services [including a life coach], as well as great seasonal events!" This store is run by a family of sorts, one of whose members, Jon Young, is an artist as well.
OREGON:
http://www.PracticallyDivine.com
Based in Portland, OR. One of the best and most enduring stores of its kind, known in a previous life as “The Goddess Gallery.” Jay GreenMan, the proprietor of its current incarnation, has not only renovated the store completely but have added psychic readers, body work, classes and public events to its offerings. Selling original and reproduction fine art in a metaphysical vein continues to be a specialty of Practically Divine, which treats both its artists and customers exceptionally well.
http://www.mysticearth.net
Located in Southern OR in Roseburg. One of the outstanding features of this richly accoutered establishment is the availability and access of unusual and hard to find items. For myself I was able to uncover back issues of GNOSIS magazine and Pentacle, a UK pagan magazine rarely offered in the US. In addition to offerings that include books, tarot, jewelry, ritual supplies, crystals, etc. for almost alternative spiritual path, they have a complete herbarium; the store features much intriguing art and has very comfortable reading chairs near the storefront.
http://www.belsiansands.com
Belsian Sands Oracle is located in the “Aquarium Village” of South Beach (Lower Newport), OR. Aquarium Village is a sort of “theme village” of shops and entertainments located just off the main coastal highway. Steel and her partner, Barbara, stock a variety of gifts from elegant accessories to esoteric notions and sculptures. Recently they began to offer aura photography for only $20. Worth the stop if you are driving through Newport.
http://www.ancientlight.info
Because it is somewhat hard to spot from the highway you may drive past this eclectic shop located in Seal Rock, OR, on the coastal highway (HWY 101), as I did the first time I looked for it, but a stop here is highly worthwhile and recommended, especially if you live in the area. Not only does the store itself contain an arcane and literate selection of books as well as many paganesque offerings in music, jewelry, ritual wear, and appurtenances, but also handmade arts-- notably the detailed embroidery work of Anja, the proprietor. Anja and others offer classes and readings and she herself is an usually skillful teacher. Her personal specialties include “Wicca, sea witchery, and the Anderson Feri traditions.” Her background in all 3 is extensive and it is particularly helpful to know of this outpost/hub for Feri contact on the Oregon coast. On a personal level I find Anja as compassionate and insightful as she is eclectically intelligent; a combination which has led to many fascinating talks.
PENNSYLVANIA:
http://www.moonhaven.com
Amy (also called Moondance or Mooni) runs this spacious, Pittsburgh-based store with a strong sense of mission towards healing and community service. A wide range of diverse offerings highlights a remarkable jewelry collection, books and various spiritual tools for a wide range of paths, as well as classes, spiritual counseling, readings, and drum circles.
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Other Businesses/Services of interest:
http://ibelieveinfaeries.com
Showcases the work of Dream Weaver Productions and of Animal X-- a costumer’s costumer whose extraordinary thematic costumes have been winning awards for over 20 years. I first discovered her work in a (rare) book called The Costume-Maker’s Art, so it was quite a thrill to meet her at Faerieworlds 2005 and pose in character with her a year later. (“We could be Titania and Oberon!” she told me.) In addition to selling original design faerie wings and ears and costume accessories via “The Faerie Citadel” (Caer Sidhe, her online store); Animal and friends present interactive theatrical offerings involving puppets, stories, mechanical devices, and mythical whimsy-- including the Enchanted Wagon (a gypsy wagon atop a mechanical turtle) and “Dragon Scales and Faerie Tales,” a play for children.
http://www.modelmayhem.com
For art/photographic models, photographers, costumers, makeup artists, hairstylists and others wishing to network both professionally and personally. It’s amazing to see what kinds of work people do here, and I hear this is one of the best online resources to get connected with models for art photography or for models to promote themselves.
http://www.talentdatabase.com
Comprehensive and well organized site for a variety of creative professionals from fine arts and performance to intellectual properties and promotions. The search features and internal networking structures are particularly outstanding.
http://www.etsy.com
Etsy is quietly promoting a revolution for artisans and crafters of all kinds. This extremely user-friendly site allows merchants to set up personal shops somewhat like eBay, although the resemblance stops there. For shoppers, Etsy.com provides many fun and handy ways to browse or search for unique items unavailable anywhere else (for instance, you can do searches by “color” or “theme” in a way that brings up results that are to the point, no tedious digging in search results.) There is also a direct and more intimate contact with the seller than is possible on sites like eBay. For the merchant, Etsy.com offers an attractive way to sell their wares at fair prices for an unbelievably low per-item fee. Etsy is rapidly generating a vibrant community and strong support.Two friends of mine are already on it (Search for “Dancing Jems” (jewelry) and “Magickal Realism” (perfumes)
http://www.steveedesign.com
My brilliant and talented web designer: creator of the Cosmic Tribe Tarot. His trendsetting visionary figurative style has been seen everywhere for many years.
http://www.kayosmarket.com
Tonya Kayos teaches you poi spinning and fire spinning!
http://www.carnivalia.com
Carnivalia offers a wide selection of strange designs, including fortune telling and altar tools, signboards, sculpture, boxes, books, fine art, and more.
http://www.shamanstouch.com
"Post-tribal shamanism and adventures into larger worlds...." Massage, workshops, training, ritual design, and writings from Kenn Day/Deigh-- back in the 1990s Kenn was editor of MEZLIM magazine to which I contributed both art and writings. MEZLIM was one of the best magical periodicals of recent times: unafraid to venture forth and explore profound and mysterious issues. Kenn continues this spirit in his private work.
http://www.mythicimages.com
Original visionary designs and museum replicas of votive figurines, altar statuary, and wall plaques of ancient mythic archetypes-- Goddesses and Gods, Elementals, Mythical Beasts, etc. Also books and original jewelry. Oberon Zell's "Millenial Gaia" is their most well-known and popular work. (Oberon told me at one point that his beautiful statue of Eros was inspired by seeing my painting of this deity.)