If you are in search of occult bookstores nearby, you may find a variety of options to explore and indulge in your interest for esoteric knowledge and practices. Occult bookstores offer a unique and specialized selection of books, resources, and tools related to various mystical and spiritual traditions. These stores can often be a haven for those seeking a deeper understanding of the occult, and they provide a physical space where like-minded individuals can gather, share experiences, and learn from each other. Whether you are an experienced practitioner, a curious beginner, or simply someone interested in the occult, visiting a nearby occult bookstore can be an enlightening and enriching experience. In these bookstores, you can expect to find a wide range of literature on topics such as astrology, tarot, witchcraft, alchemy, hermeticism, mysticism, and more. The books available cater to different levels of expertise, from introductory texts to highly advanced and specialized works.
While Watkins Books has changed hands over the past century, it has remained true to its original purpose: to provide a bookstore for seekers of beliefs of a different kind, the mystical, and, of course, the magical. They continue to sell these unique books as well as crystals, tarot decks, statues, and the little oddities that could only be found at a store devoted to the spiritual and occult. These days, the bookstore holds regular events, offers in-store tarot readings, publishes its own spiritual magazine (Watkins Mind Body Spirit) and blog, offers spiritual E-courses, and even has a spiritual map of London on its site.
These days, the bookstore holds regular events, offers in-store tarot readings, publishes its own spiritual magazine Watkins Mind Body Spirit and blog, offers spiritual E-courses, and even has a spiritual map of London on its site. Though I know it s not just me who feels led to such things, I also know some feel that the magical, the mysterious, the mystical don t always make themselves known they must be sought out.
The books available cater to different levels of expertise, from introductory texts to highly advanced and specialized works. Additionally, many occult bookstores also offer a selection of crystals, herbs, ritual tools, and other items used in various occult practices. Aside from their well-stocked shelves, occult bookstores are often known for their inviting and mystical ambiance.
Watkins Books | London’s Oldest Occult Bookstore
In the time of Samhain, it seems all things lead to the magical, the mysterious, the mystical. Though I know it’s not just me who feels led to such things, I also know some feel that the magical, the mysterious, the mystical don’t always make themselves known—they must be sought out. For those feeling the lure and seekers alike, there are places where those interests align with literary pursuits.
While many bookstores have small sections dedicated to subjects including mysticism and the occult, for seekers of the mystical, there is no place quite like a bookstore dedicated to such unusual endeavors. And for today’s Literary Destinations, I’ve found one of the world’s oldest bookstores with such inclinations.
Watkins Books
Watkins Books at Cecil Court, Covent Garden, London
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the study and exploration of spiritualism, mysticism, occultism, and esotericism (all terms that overlap somewhat in meaning) were on the rise. It was the age when mediums holding seances were trendy, but beneath the popular, and often fraudulent, shows of paranormal happenings was a real widespread interest in subjects and beliefs formerly shunned and demonized.
In the late 19th century, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, a secret society focused on the study and practice of the occult, paranormal happenings, and metaphysics, was founded by three Freemasons. This society was structured similarly to the Masonic lodge, with initiations and three levels of Orders to which members belonged, progressing in their studies from esoteric philosophy and the basics of subjects including astrology and tarot, to the Second Order with studies including alchemy, magic, and scrying among others, to the most elite of the society—the Third Order. The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn became one of the biggest, if not the biggest, influences on Western occultism. Its lasting effect is still seen in modern spiritual practices within Wicca and other religions. The Order was incredibly active within Great Britain, spreading and intensifying the interest in spiritualism and Eastern cultures and beliefs.
In response to this interest rose Madame Blavatsky’s Theosophical Society in 1875. Helena Petrovna Blavatsky was a Russian occultist and philosopher, a leading figure within the esoteric movement and, later, within the Spiritualism movement. She was a controversial figure during her life, not only for her beliefs and efforts to spread the ideas of Theosophy but because, once she moved to America, she claimed to be a spirit medium and was met with numerous claims of fraud.
Within her sphere of influence was John M. Watkins.
Inside Watkins Books
Watkins was a figure within the literary world; a translator, a bookseller through the first ever secondhand and remaindered book catalogue he founded in 1893, and owner of his own printing press. He was also a personal friend of Madame Blavatsky’s as well as one of her “disciples,” and his printing press was behind her pseudoscientific metaphysical book The Secret Doctrine. As the story goes, it was a comment from Madame Blavatsky in a conversation with Watkins that inspired the idea for Watkins Books. She spoke of London’s lack of options for places to buy books on the occult, metaphysics, and mysticism. And so, in 1897, Watkins Books opened.
Like this post? Save it to Pinterest!
Specializing in the very books those of the various spiritual movements of the age desired, Watkins Books became a fixture within London for those seeking out the obscure. W.B. Yeats, Irish poet and member of the mysterious Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, was a frequent patron of the shop. Other frequent visitors recognizable to those interested in spiritual, esoteric, and occult authors included G.R.S. Mead—a writer, translator, historian, and member of the Theosophical Society–and one of the most widely recognized names within the occultist movement, Aleister Crowley. He was a poet, novelist, painter, occultist, and “ceremonial magician.” A biography of Crowley claims he once made all of the books in Watkins Books magically disappear and reappear. Another notable piece of history attached to this bookstore is that when Geoffrey Watkins, son of John, took over the shop after his father passed away, he published Carl Jung’s 1925 edition of Septem Sermones ad Mortuos. Being a beacon for spiritualists and occultists, there was no shortage of notable figures frequenting this bookstore.
Tarot deck selection at Watkins Books
While Watkins Books has changed hands over the past century, it has remained true to its original purpose: to provide a bookstore for seekers of beliefs of a different kind, the mystical, and, of course, the magical. They continue to sell these unique books as well as crystals, tarot decks, statues, and the little oddities that could only be found at a store devoted to the spiritual and occult. These days, the bookstore holds regular events, offers in-store tarot readings, publishes its own spiritual magazine (Watkins Mind Body Spirit) and blog, offers spiritual E-courses, and even has a spiritual map of London on its site.
Inside Watkins Books
At over 120 years old, it is quite a notable thing for this strange little bookstore to still be around and thriving as it is in the modern world. There has always been a pocket of people to whom the subjects of this store’s inventory appeals, and in a world where charming, independent bookstores full of character are going out of business steadily, it’s fantastic to see a store such as Watkins Books continuing to go strong.
Watkins Books is rich in history and intrigue, a bookstore with an even more mystical allure than other normally charming bookstores. And at the time of year when the mysterious and mystical are on the forefront of more people’s minds, there’s no better time to take a trip to this historically significant, groundbreaking spiritual bookstore. While traveling to London isn’t in the near future for me, this literary destination is certainly on my list of must-visits in the city.
Inside Watkins Books
The atmosphere in these establishments is carefully cultivated, with dim lighting, relaxing music, and cozy seating areas where you can browse through books at your leisure or engage in insightful conversations with the knowledgeable staff or fellow customers. One advantage of visiting a physical occult bookstore is the opportunity to seek guidance from staff members who are often well-versed in occult knowledge and can offer recommendations suited to your interests. They may also be able to answer any questions you have or provide additional resources to aid in your exploration of the occult. In today's digital age, it is also worth noting that some occult bookstores may have an online presence, allowing you to browse and purchase books and other items from the comfort of your own home. However, visiting a physical store can still offer a more immersive experience and a chance to connect with fellow occult enthusiasts. To find an occult bookstore near you, you can search online directories, community forums, or ask for recommendations from friends or fellow practitioners. Additionally, attending metaphysical, spiritual, or pagan events in your area can be a great way to discover local occult bookstores or meet people with similar interests who can point you in the right direction. In conclusion, if you are interested in the occult and wish to explore the mystical and spiritual realms through literature, ritual tools, and interaction with like-minded individuals, visiting an occult bookstore near you can be a rewarding experience. These stores offer a range of books and resources to deepen your understanding and provide a welcoming space for discussion and exploration. So, take the time to discover the hidden gems in your area and immerse yourself in the rich wisdom of the occult..
Reviews for "The Mystic's Guide: Navigating Your Way to the Best Occult Bookstore Nearby"
1. John - 1 star - I was really disappointed with the selection at Occult Bookstores near me. I had heard great things about it, but when I arrived, I found the shelves to be poorly stocked and the books outdated. The staff seemed disinterested and unhelpful, making my experience even worse. I had high hopes for this place, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. I won't be returning.
2. Sarah - 2 stars - I visited Occult Bookstores near me hoping to find some unique and intriguing books on occult practices. However, the selection was quite limited and lacked diversity. I felt like I was browsing through the same old titles that I could easily find online. The atmosphere of the store was also quite dull, with no ambiance or charm that you would expect from an occult bookstore. Overall, it left me feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied.
3. Robert - 2 stars - As someone who has a keen interest in occult literature, I was excited to explore Occult Bookstores near me. However, the overall condition of the books was disappointing. Many of them were worn, torn, and had missing pages. It seemed like they hadn't been properly taken care of. Additionally, the prices were quite high compared to other bookstores in the area. Although the staff was polite, they didn't provide much assistance or knowledge on the subject matter. I left feeling frustrated and wouldn't recommend this store to serious occult enthusiasts.
4. Emily - 1 star - I had high hopes when I discovered the existence of Occult Bookstores near me, but my visit was a complete letdown. The store was disorganized, with books piled haphazardly on shelves, making it difficult to find anything of interest. The lack of proper categorization and labeling made the browsing experience frustrating. Moreover, most of the books seemed outdated and not relevant to contemporary occult practices. It's a shame because I was excited about the store, but it failed to deliver.