Gothic novelist Louise Davidson and author of ‘The Fortunes of Olivia Richmond’ shares her favourite occult shops around Europe…
Are you looking to explore the magic of Europe? What if we told you that there is more out there than the wonders of architecture, history, fashion and food? For those who want to step off the beaten path and explore a different type of purveyor with a hunger for the supernatural or a preference for the eerie or unexplained, we have five of the best occult shops to satisfy your spooky cravings, found throughout Europe, both in person and online…
DUBLIN
Dervish Books and Holistic Centre
A holistic shop specialising in spiritual wellbeing and exploration with locations in Dublin and Cork. This wellness-focused business sells everything one could possibly need to strive for a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them, tapping into higher vibrations and seeing beyond the mundane. They sell a range of oracle card and tarot decks, books on astrology, yoga, and crystals to help focus and magnify meditation practice along with meditation cushions to make your moments of reflection more comfortable. Speciality: crystals to promote, balance and maintain energy as well as a wide variety of tarot decks. 7 Aungier St, Dublin 2, D02 PP66, Ireland, www.dervish-online.ie.
LONDON
Treadwell’s Books, London
With a range of different titles on various subjects, if you can’t find what you’re looking for here, they would find it for you. But Treadwell’s offers more than just a stunning collection of books. They also host special events, tarot readings, lectures and online lectures, tickets for which can be purchased on their website. They also stock a range of tarot cards for those who are looking to start (or add to) their collection of decks. You can find Treadwell’s in Store Street, just a few minutes’ walk from Goodge Street Station. Speciality: books on a variety of different esoteric subjects from 19th Century Spiritualism to the history of Tarot. Treadwell’s Bookshop, 33 Store Street, London, WC1E 7BS, www.treadwells-london.com.
EDINBURGH
Black Moon Botanica, Edinburgh
Finally, we have one of Edinburgh’s more recent Magick shops – and it’s run by a real-life Professor Sprout, as Black Moon Botanica’s owner, Brooke, is a herbologist! Located in Edinburgh’s old town, Black Moon Botanica make their own candles, wax melts, lotions and potions to satisfy a variety of needs a visitor may have. Not only that, they offer online workshops, Natal Chart readings and retreats for those interested in immersing themselves in magick. The shop interior is beautiful and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable – definitely worth a visit. Speciality: candles – the owner, Brooke, has been making them since she was a teenager and uses original, historical methods to make the best candles. 50 Candlemaker Row Edinburgh EH1 2QE United Kingdom, www.blackmoonbotanica.co.uk.
PARIS
La Corneline, Paris
Based next to the Sainte Trinité church on the Rue Saint-Lazare, La Corneline (named after the crystal Carnelian) is a colourful trove of treasures for those interested in lithotherapy (stone healing). The shop also boasts a well-stocked selection of books about meditation, personal growth, astrology and communication with other planes! They regularly host author signings, workshops, and conferences so there is plenty to participate in and visitors to the store have also commented on the wide selection of tarot and oracle cards available.
Speciality: crystals for healing and jewellery made from crystals to protect energy, enhance the balance chakras and manifest good things. Can be found on Facebook. 62 Rue Saint-Lazare, 75009, Paris 9.
ICELAND
The Witch Shop at Hotel Búðir, Iceland
Found next to the Hotel Búðir in Iceland is a small shed with a sign above the door that simply says SHOP. In here, you will find Búðir’s Witch Museum – and an opportunity to purchase some of the herbs, creams and cures created by the two witches who own and run the small museum/shop. Almost everything available in the store is handmade and foraged, and visitors cannot fail to notice the comforting feel of the shop, which resembles a 19th century kitchen, full of jars of herbs, creams and curios. Whether you’re in the market to buy or just want to have a look, the witch shop at Hotel Búðir is worth a visit. Speciality: herbs, which are foraged from the nearby mountains, glacier and fields that surround the hotel. Búðir 356, 356 Búðir, Iceland, www.hotelbudir.is
Louise Davidson’s debut novel The Fortunes of Olivia Richmond is a dark and twisting gothic mystery and a haunting coming of age debut exploring the supernatural world of tarot and fortune telling alongside the lot of women in Victorian England. It is published in Hardback on 26th October, just in time for Halloween. Available at www.omahonys.ie and other book retailers at €23.75.
