Crystals, Magic, and More
Given the art, music and literature that pours from it, Long Beach is clearly a city of seekers. Whether that search is pursuing physical and/or emotional health, self-expression and/or actualization, it has long been assisted by local establishments – some going back a half-century – that provide knowledge, guidance and community, as well as crystals, herbs, books and oils. So, if you are in pursuit of meaning, perhaps attracted by an aesthetic or are simply curious, here’s some places in town where you may find what you’re looking for.
EYE OF THE CAT
For nearly 50 years, Eye of the Cat (3314 E. Broadway) has drawn customers that are either deep into the metaphysical or curious to see what it’s all about. A beloved mainstay in the city, there were concerns about its survival after a fire ravaged the space on Broadway a few years back. But it rebounded, and continues to be one of the largest retailers of metaphysical and occult items in Southern California. Not only will you find all manner of hermetic supplies, candles, oils and herbs, but Eye of the Cat offers tarot card and astrological readings and charts, as well as classes in Wicca and herbalism.
POINTS OF LIGHT
Opened in 1995, Points of Light (4358 E. Stearns St.) caters to spiritual beliefs of all kinds. The store has a large selection of books on every metaphysical and spiritual subject, along with bulk herbs, incense, essence oils and statuary. Those who operate Points of Light are fond of saying that it is a store where one can find plenty of “enlighten-your-soul goodies,” but are quick to point out it is not a tourist trap, or “hocus-pocus,” shop. Rather, it caters to and serves the serious spiritual pilgrim, whether they are on a mainstream religious or pagan journey.
RECIRCLE HOME
Those at ReCircle Home (501 E. Broadway) believe everything in life travels in circles, and their shop reflects that in encompassing a well-rounded inventory of items ranging from the metaphysical to home goods. You’ll find worry stones and incense burners, but you’ll also find jewelry, statues, treasure dishes and storage furnishings. Many of the items are made by hand in a home workshop from recycled materials. Some of them start as projects using random objects and eventually become something that embraces not only a love of universal truth but an affection for bohemian style.
HOUSE OF INTUITION
Owners Alex Naranjo and Marlene Vargas wrote Your Intuition Led You Here–available in-store and online–a part memoir, part ritual guide designed to help others harness their inner power by working with magic and intention in everyday life. To assist in that, House of Intuition (5018 Second St.) offers an array of tools to heal the past and manifest a bright future, including magical items such as hand-picked crystals, all-natural herbs packaged in-house, as well as dressed magic candles. It also offers daily classes dealing with ritual, crystals and astrology to help, they say, those who feel at times defeated to find the strength that lies within.
GREEN WISDOM
Owner/herbalist Julie James has been teaching about holistic healing since the 1980s. Green Wisdom (702 Cedar Ave.) is focused on providing accessibility to herbs to the public to help, teach and empower people to harvest and create herbal remedies that benefit the specific requirements of their body and mind. their own which cultivates a community of herbalists, plant lovers, gardeners, healers and foragers. Though the shop has a dedicated community of herbalists, gardeners and foragers, as well as healers and physicians interested in the medicinal potential of herbs, it is also a welcoming space open to those curious about or determined to devote their lives to healing plants.