I love this place. I recently returned after a long hiatus. I love their homemade Florida water and candles. The service is really great, and pricing is very affordable. Lily dressed this beautiful candle for me. Thanks again!!! read more

Ancient Ways - Spiritual Shop Near Me - Oakland, California

Great candle selection and tarot variety! However their crystals are overpriced. I found the white woman at the store to be cold and judgy. Wasn't a good vibe overall at the store unfortunately. But good thing I picked up an evil eye on the way out ;) read more

This is a nice little shop that has a good selection of metaphysical items, books, tarot cards, dried herbs, jewelry, and candles. I always like checking out the literature when I stop by. I can't speak for the majority of the items. The only thing that has been an issue for me thus far is the incense in the shop- it's so strong that it permeates shop items... I have to figure out how to deodorize the book I bought there (because it smells so strongly of incense that it's giving me a headache when I try to read it)... if you are sensitive to scents, this may not be the best store to visit. I wish they would ease up on the incense, but understand that many customers and staff enjoy it. 3.5 stars read more

I love this place. I moved to Las Vegas and I could not find anything here . Everything in the shop is great . the staff, the products, the prices. Thumbs up100000% read more

This is a great shop! I like to come in here even when I don't have anything specific in mind, as there are many things to discover. They are always knowledgeable and helpful. I feel fortunate to have such a resource. There is magic in entering a place and joining real people in that place and perhaps choosing something to bring home...from the community. It was nice chatting with Miriam when I recently visited and I bought a book from the excellent selection as well. Also, I never have any problem parking nearby. read more

This place is AMAZING!! It has been my GO-TO for all my occult needs for over a decade now. Unfortunately, I've never gotten the name of the proprietor. However, he, his son & the ladies are all welcoming and knowledgeable in their experiences of items or products. They also have the best prices compared to other shops I've been to. I LVE this place! Thank you!!! read more

One of my favorite stores in Oakland. Super affordable in comparison to other metaphysical shops. I've bought a lot of useful items here- but my favorite are the dressed candles, agua Florida soap and a Bali rattle. And the staff is so nice and helpful. read more

Such a beautiful store. I wanted to start the new year off with good vibes, so I picked up some candles here. A very nice person helped me dress them. I try to buy gifts from here because its much more meaningful than shopping at Target, SHOP LOCAL!!! read more

Ancient Ways is a fun store. Magic and spells. Crystal balls and well stocked bookshelf of spiritual books. Tarot cards and the occult. Good stuff. It is a metaphysical store par excellence with spiritual supplies from books, candles, herbs, incense, oils, jewelry, gems, magical tools, statues, and so much more. They are open 11am to 7pm daily and glad they seem to be doing well in the pandemic. My personal path is more the yogic path and martial arts. I spent three years in India over many Winters and dedicated my life to that path yet respect other paths. This is a cool store and the owners here definitely seem into the traditions available here and am sure are knowledgeable of it. Worth checking out if you are in the neighborhood. read more

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I really hate that the older man who owns the shop scammed me by asking me questions and basically repeated what I told him. Very negitive and feeds off your pain. save yourself the trouble and find another reader read more

Been going for years. Saw one of the white elderly women using micro aggressions at a black lady who works there. It was very uncomfortable and awkward. I don't wish to go into detail about the micro aggressions. Just know that customers pick up on energies and see things as well. I wouldn't be surprised if the black lady would be let go in the future or if she would leave due to the hostile work environment. I know we are all human, and spiritual people can have bad days too but the black lady was being mistreated for doing her job. It may have very well been a difference in work styles but the way the white lady spoke to the black lady was so unkind. She was unkind 3 times within a matter of minutes. read more

very little books for spiritual practitioners of color, as well as lack of queer literature. Herbs also were pretty over priced given the quality. Suspicious of their sourcing of sweet grass and palo santo as well, including where the profits of selling those sacred tools actually go...? Hopefully back to the indigenous lands in which they were acquired. read more

Friendly folks who were kind and welcoming. I appreciated their warmth towards me, especially as a new customer! Prices were very reasonable too and I was really happy with the selection and was happy with the magical items and purchased. I will be back and am grateful for their store! read more

I love this place and honestly, the only reason I don't go more is because they are further away from where I live. I've been told that there was a dark energy here, but considering the place I heard this in and the people who spend a lot of time there and there serious issues with microagressions, manipulative people, etc. I've rethought this place. I took a class there and had a grand time. I also have bought many things there, candles, some dressed and some not, no crystals, but I bought a hemp bracelet with jewels. I also got a tarot deck or two there, I like that you can look through a sample of the deck. They have remodeled and are not as cramped as they used to be. And there is more light now that they seem to be less cramped. Could that be the light. All and all, I like them and am happy to go there when I can. The only issue is the street parking, which is strange, so when in the area and I can get a decent parking space, I'm in! read more

Piss poor service. A few items were over priced The staff was not friendly at all but rather cold and simply stood there leaning on the counter while on the phone no one bothered to ask if I needed any help When I inquired about an item I got a flat and abrupt no with no other assistance I've been a long time customer and I don't think I'll be shopping here anymore read more

Love this place! Been coming here for years with my mother, who also loves this store. It has a nice, bin corporate, homey appeal to it. They have always been well stocked and product knowledge is top shelf. The staff is very kind, friendly and helpful, especially if you need advise on what you are looking for or what you are trying to accomplish. There are lots of books to assist you, too. I truly appreciate this store's presence in the community and the staff, too. Very wonderful place to check out, even if you're just window shopping. read more

This is my favorite occult, wiccan, vodun whatever other terminology store you can think of! I was born and raised in the Bay and always knew this store existed, and I have visited previously due to my mother buying dragons blood from here and other incense on multiple occasions, but unfortunately, I was a kid and had no money. Every time I have visited since then, I just haven't had the funds on me to buy anything. I went back last week and actually got to shop and I was so happy! I spoke with a man there, I asked him about vodun/hoodoo as that is something I am looking into. I have always been a super spiritual person, but ever since becoming an adult, and working and school, I find that part of me lessened and lessened the older I got. Which made me sad. I asked him and he immediately acknowledged he being a white man, it was not is religion. But he knew enough about it as he was born in New Orleans. He gave me some great book suggestions to get me on my way and some advice! Super great guy and the shopkeepers and staff are super kind and willing to get into interesting dialogue regarding different various occults! Will definitely be returning time and time again! read more

I have been going to Ancient Ways for the past ten-plus years. Over time, several other similar stores have come and gone. One reason they are still in existence is because it is evident that, aside from being a spiritual business, they have a mission of serving the Bay Area community. They do this gracefully and without any pretension! The owners and assistants are always patient, answer every question, and share parts of their spiritual journey with you if you need guidance. I have been at the store at times when mentally ill people came in and caused a ruckus. Even then, the shopkeepers could hold fast to appropriate boundaries while maintaining their professional composure. This in itself is a dying art and something I deeply respect. I hope they are around for years because their knowledge and products are essential to many practitioners. Keep up the excellent work! read more

Loving access to this store! We're so fortunate to have in Oakland. The Proprietors or not as versed as I (my personal opinion) would like them to be on Spiritual Religion but, the products are awesome and they always have what I need. read more

Very knowledgeable. Very welcoming. They had EVERYTHING I needed to help cleanse my friends new home.

When the new owners took over they completely revamped the place to make it bright and open. Everything is easier to see and get to. The selection is so much better, but still affordable. Even with supply chain issues, there is a good array of candles, crystals, books, and decks, as well as plenty of the herbs, oils, powders, &c the store has always been known for. It really is a one stop shop for reasonably priced, unpretentious metaphysical supplies. The vibe is welcoming and the energy is downright cheery - - you can tell these are folks doing what they love to do. What a difference a change in proprietors makes - if you haven't been in awhile, check it out. For those who can't make the trip to Oakland, they don't have an online store yet, but they do mail order. Visit their website or give them a call. read more

One of the last, real, authentic pagan bookshops, and free of the new age silliness of other pretender shops. Here, by simply walking in the door you'll learn so much if you observe their stock, but don't leave with your Amazon shopping list culled from 'showrooming' the place, that isn't fair at all. read more

I have been a customer of ancient ways for many years And haven't been there since moving out of the area although two staff members were very nice there was a women with long grey hair which was very nasty and watched me the whole time I was shopping I didn't like the feel of her attitude I did not buy all that I wanted to because I felt disrespected and policed I never got that from any other employees at ancient ways this was a friendly place and most if not all supplies can be obtained directly from lucky mojo for much less i chose to patronize ancient ways I will not do so again read more

I had a horrible experience coming into Ancient Ways today. I was not expecting to be met with rudeness and lack of customer care. I went in to buy a good friend of mine a birthday present. I've been coming here on and off since I was a kid and never have I had an experience like the one I just did with the angry lady who works there. I had to walk out as I was that upset with her rude way of speaking to me. I will not be going back, sad to say because I grew up going here (grew up going here with the friend I came to get a present for). Never again will I shop here. read more

Don't let the looks or location of this place fool you, this place is a hidden neighborhood gem! I love coming here when I need a spiritual boost in work, love, life. There is a candle and dressing for nearly everything and I love their selection of oils and tarots as well. Staff is knowledgeable and prices are great. Support local business- shop here! read more

Been a patron of this magical business for years. We got our home through wonderful prayers and their candles,they have books, and oils, crystals, name it they got it. I'm so glad this business exist read more

Not a very comfortable experience. The man I spoke to was very knowledgeable, but obnoxiously so. I left there feeling as though I were stupid for seeking what I went there to find. Over explaining something and using examples of a situation he was chastising all while passively applying it to me. I enjoy opinions and knowledge, but that was a bit much. The store has a wonderful selection though. Just not a good vibe for me, I would encourage everyone to go in and check it out based on the selection and who knows...your experience may be better! read more

They have just about everything you'd need in the way of ingredients! Ill be honest, i had some relatively low expectations in the way of them having what i needed but luckily they had everything I needed! I was so relieved to see it, so of course I bought it immediately. I know now, they'll have what I need for the future. They have a wall FULL of things you'd likely need. They have different size options as well. They carried dry ingredients and oils. Both have a grand selection. read more

I came here with a friend today. We picked up some crystals, they have a great selection, along with everything else you could need. The people that work there are very sweet and helpful. They were welcoming but not overbearing which I personally really appreciate. They have tarot readings available as well, Don is the one that did our readings today and he was great. Very insightful, honest, and thorough. I definitely recommend the shop, if I could give them more stars I would! read more

Love that the store is open again and that they've kept to being an affordable and just more fulfilling and lovely alternative to hoity toity spiritual shops. I love the selection of books, candles, incense, herbs, well everything! I recently found a great evil eye necklace that didn't break the bank like it would at other shops and I appreciate that the owners keep it real and seem to be in for community. Will always make my way here if in need of any tools or gifts. read more

Very helpful They really want to help And share their knowledge I will come back and refer I highly recommend read more

For the true witch this is the store! Shelves of herbs to choose from for your rituals and a huge assortment of homemade oils for every kind of spell work. A nice assortment of crystals, candles in every color and tarot decks. I love it! I live in the north bay and this is the place I drive to if I need lode stone and more oils. They smell so good! read more

Absolutely one of my favorite, if not my absolute favorite, local mystic shop. They have great prices for oils and candles and a large assortment of both. They are always helpful and friendly. They often have unique things you can buy that really add to any alter or mystic space. They have a great assortment of incense, candles, herbs, oils, books, crystals, sage, and more. Great jewelry as well. Limited pendulums. All in all, this is the place is fantastic and worth stopping by. read more

Ancient Ways - Spiritual Shop Near Me - Oakland, California

Came in for the first time about two weeks ago after knowing about it for months. I'm so happy that they've opened! I checked their website and called in for the herbs I was looking for. The person who answered was very kind and patient. When they confirmed what I needed, I came in and was met with the same kind hospitality and wonderful customer service I received on the phone. Everything was organized and easy to find. The shop was very clean and the shopkeeps had masks on and had hand sanitizer available. They had recently opened the shop after months bc of COVID so they had low stock on a few things. However I was able to obtain what I needed through their thoughtful advice and knowledge. They are in process of restocking items now that they opened. I love this place and I'm excited to come back when I need more items read more

Great shop with friendly service!! I don't live in Oakland but I was visiting for the day with my husband. We thought we were going to be at the zoo longer than expected. So he suggested checking out a crystal shop. Unfortunately a few of the shops were closed but we saw that Ancient Ways was still open. Glad we stopped in because I purchased some really cool unique items. I am obsessing over the tourmaline/quartz point, lovers candle and handmade runes pendant. read more

I drive past this place often and before never noticed it! I'm not sure why because it's located on a busy street and is on the corner. I walked in to a small space with loads of books & good stuff! Candles, herbs, books, decks they have it. Tarot reading too. I was seeking a new tarot deck and after finding the "smallish" locked display I was assisted by a person whom may be the owner. I'm bubbly & very interactive I know every body is not but she did ok after a little bit engaging and helpful. I left with a book & deck so win!!! I'll be back! read more

Ancient Ways - Thoth deck regular size & book set me back $47 approx - Spiritual Shop Near Me - Oakland, California

I had an epiphany a few days ago and while I don't believe in spirits or vibes or any of that shit, my friend got me an "anti-fuck boi" candle from here and every day since I've had it something pivotal has happened. So anyway- my epiphany based on literally every experience with dating men: Men. They want to be 'the good guy' deep down I am a person who has consistently believed that the men I've dated were, deep down, better than they'd ever actually shown themselves to be BUT Here's the thing There is no 'deep down' That doesn't exist You are only what you do and show And it's just been me waiting for a thing that's not there on blind and ignorant faith because I want it to be true or believe it's what I deserve But it's not there If they don't show it and live it It's not there So thanks for the wisdom, candle thing Besides my friend, there was only one other did in the store and he seemed to work there. Which I guess makes sense bc dudes are the ones being dummies and then us women (maybe just me) fall for it and have to resort to hocus pokus to get our shit back together. Ugh. But dudes- maybe check out Ancient Ways and try to get right because you might not be a monster, but you don't just get to be a good guy either. That's not a default. You have to earn good guy. And you don't earn it because you drove me home, or agreed with something I said, or you told me you liked me, or you offered to buy me a drink (that I declined because I don't need shit from you), or so generously unlocked your front door for me to come in so you wouldn't have to actually get up from your chair in front of the tv and stop eating your fucking burger and fries for 7 seconds. And it's not my job to make you want to be a good guy but I dunno... if Ancient Ways sold a 'good guy' candle for all these motherfuckers I think they'd make a killing. In fact, I'll check up on it the next time I'm in. This store... it's not exactly a witch store and it is pretty strange. When we first walked in and went to the right of the door I was like, why are there legit novelty halloween witch hats and gargoyle figurines? This is waaaaay too hokey and I can't believe we came in here is it too late to moonwalk the fuck out? But then my friend went over to the left side of the store with all the candle shit and started asking questions on my behalf because he detests the dude I'm into and the other guys I went out on dates with were in pretty prime shape for shipping out as well. And I know he's not wrong, but I was also not ready to admit those other truths so for the most part I just stood there like a dildo while I watched my friend and the witchy woman stew over which candle would be best for my situation. I ended up getting to have a small hand in the candle that got picked (it's orange and the woman on it has gigantic boobs) and my friend and the witch (she's no actually a witch but I think it'd be so cool if she were so I'm gonna pretend) took it up to the front and apparently they offer the service of 'dressing' the candle for no additional charge. Dressing the candle involves the witch picking out a bunch of incense powder and glitter, and big confetti in various shapes that my friend ended up taking away from her, putting mostly back, and picking new and different more me-ish confetti out. I stood there, again, like a dildo and just made comments as my friend made all the correct decisions and then the candle was finally sealed with some oils that I know nothing about but smelled p good. It was super affordable and all I had to do was carry around a very fragile candle with a bunch of glitter and highly volatile oil all day long without spilling it- which, for like 7 more hours, I somehow did manage to do. I def feel weird about feeling like a candle is doing something because I'm very much a realist and not into all this stupid hullabaloo, but the number of strange and coincidental things that have taken place in the 2 weeks since I've had the candle are at the very least worth raising an eye over. I'll even give the candle 10% credit on the epiphany even though it's apparently what my friends have been trying to tell me for years. Whether your friends think you need to ditch a dude or you just want a cool lookin candle with custom glitter shit in it, Ancient Ways has got you covered. read more

Ancient Ways - Rad witch candles - Spiritual Shop Near Me - Oakland, California

Dusty, quirky and cluttered windows of Ancient Ways don't exactly call out a friendly welcome -- but inside you will find many fascinating bric-a-brac. I stopped in here looking for crystals and gemstones for a friend who lost his collection off a moving truck years ago. They have occasionally had some pretty bits - I got a lovely sparkly amethyst cluster -- but the overall selection of stones & crystals isn't very exciting to me. I can't speak to the rest of the shop as I'm an atheist and mostly poke around looking for pretty rocks for my friend - but it's definitely a slice of life, more like Berkeley than Oakland. Worth popping in to check out. read more

I love this place!! Awesome folks! It's under new management and the new folks are doing great!

Old neighborhood establishment. Hole-in-the-wall occult supply, herb & candle shop in a semi-seedy area (Telegraph x 40th St) with metal bars. But the people are friendly, and it's fairly safe during the day. You WILL meet some weirdos here. Helpful, knowledgeable staff. Ask them anything. Usually only a couple of people on staff, so when there are too many patrons around, it can be difficult to get undivided attention. "Rootworkers" can find most supplies here, at a reasonable price. They dress candles if you purchase them in-store. Candle/light setting service not available--due to possible fire hazard. If you don't see something you want, ask for it. Not everything is on display. Majority of patrons has been mostly the older, white, pagan community, and some African-American folks. However nowadays, everytime I go in, there's a different crowd, including younger clientele of various age and ethnicity. Good selection of books on various metaphysical subjects (whether you're interested in wiccan, pagan, witchcraft, astrology, vampirism, magick, voodoo, hoodoo, egyptian, tarot, runes, feng shui, etc.), including a small Used Books section. Robust online presence--ongoing events, classes and information. However, products listed in catalog form is not the most complete or frequently updated, and online shopping not available. read more