An excellent place if you know what you're looking for. It's a tiny little place, but the staff is friendly and very informed and helpful. If you're from San Francisco, take BART to the East Bay MacArthur station and walk to Ancient Ways. However...just remember to lock your car doors if you visit in the evening...it's not the best neighborhood. Not the WORST...but not the best. Enjoy! read more

I came in the other day to get a couple gemstones and the guy who waited on me was very friendly and knowledgeable about stones. I came away with a citrine and a moonstone. He also told me the best way to cleanse my stones. Credit cards OK but with a minimum purchase of $10 They're just across the street from MacArthur BART station, so its super convenient to get to if you're traveling by BART. read more

Great location, Staff is EXTREMELY knowledgeable. Huge selection of oils and herbs. (check out the menu on their site) you don't necessarily have to use their goods in ritual. I've used some oil in lotions and am about to make a trip to see for some tea ingredients. The place could use a little face lift inside but It's a mom and pop. I encourage people to visit this store and support it. Pro Convenient location Big stock Knowledgeable Con May seem clicky or intimidating (I felt that way at first but they are friendly) Not the safest area Place may seem a little outdated read more

These guys are the best... They give great readings and have all you need to create magic in your life. True Oakland treasure

I haven't been to this shop in a loooong time. But back in the day it was pretty kool. All the candles and oils one would need and they weren't pricey. read more

Great little authentic classic neighborhood occult store. One of the only good ones left around. Has all candles colors for any occasions. That can be dressed. Extensive book collection. On many occult subjects. Beautiful pendants. Multiple dried herbs sold by weight. Also does tarot readings. Has a wonderful mystical vibe. read more

The workers were very knowledgeable and helpful in finding the perfect essentials for my alter. They taught me about certain oils, herbs, etc. These people are kind and patient. I will definitely be a frequent customer here! read more

Had some metaphysical books, but looked mostly new. Eclectic selections of oils, candles, herbs, gifts, for spiritual, metaphysical, witches, voodoo, you name it, all types of people walked in the doors looking for stuff for spells, potions, candles, even tarot readings are done there. read more

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I would have probably said 3 stars because the store is so tiny & selection seems limited but staff was great & did a fab job of dressing the candle I purchased. There are so few occult/magic stores left in the Bay Area. I hadn't been in this one for a long time as I used to frequent others in SF but those are long gone and so since we were in the area I decided to stop in. I was a bit disappointed at the selection...made me mourn even more for Curios and Candles, but as I said the staff was great, very friendly, so that made up for it a bit. I do wish there would have been some books on Mediumship or Spiritualism. There were some psychic development books but none about Mediumship per se, and that is what I was looking for. read more

Wow! Quite a few ungruntled folks!!! Or, otoh, even more totally pleased folks. My opinon: A great Mom & Pop metaphysical store. Wicca, Ceremonial Magick, Astrology, Tarot, Voudon, oil, herbs, stones, jewelry, books...... What more can you ask for? Oh yeah, customer service. There are usually two counter workers there at a time. I have seen folks get impatient, and I once read a complaint here (yelp) that there "wasn't enough staff". I guess the person with that complaint didn't want to hire a "personal shopper". I love the complaints. Just shop elsewhere, at an indenpendent bookseller (which I presume Ancient Ways is). Or got to Amazon and put another local business out of your misery. As to the folks who felt observed: this shop is at 41st and Telegraph in Oakland. You can't judge a shoplifter by it's cover, and this store gets an interesting walk-in clientele. When the store is busy, with only two staff members, shoplifting here must be quite easy. They actually have a sign that says, "Please inform us if you plan to shoplift"! ("Clerks" reference, I think.) I think they have a pretty good sense of humor, considering. Their books are priced at retail, but their herbs, stones, magical tools are quite reasonable (even discounted compared to comparable merchants). They have great readers, Tarot, Palm, and now even Rune readings on Thursdays and Fridays. There rate (aprox $1.00/minute) is incredible; just try to get a reading for that price at any other local shop. And which other store has the "Best of the Bay" Tarot reader??? But Yelp! is like that, I suppose. "You yell, I Yelp!" (from a previous review) But do you praise everytime somebody dooes a good job? And you've never had a bad day? The best negative review though, comes from somone who has never been to the store and got her info second hand. I know that shops like this all over California have been closing. Yes there are other places to find *most* of what you can get at Ancient Ways, but with 20+ years in the are, you are unlikely to find the kind of mix and knowledge that one can get at Ancient Ways. And I always have interesting conversations with customers and staff alike. Thanks Ancient Ways. Here's to 20 more years! read more

They are so rude here! I've live local but started to order my products online to avoid being treated as if I'm bothering them to spend my money. Flat affect, just not interested in what you have to say or that you're human. I wish a whole new group of people would work here, at least staff the LIKES PEOPLE! The staff here is only interested in a PAYCHECK! Avoid this place like the plague !!! Very obnoxious, sour minded staff. They're old and been here for years! This place needs NEW energy! read more

LOVE the vibe here!!!! I always begin my magick tool quest at AW! I trust each member of the staff & can't NOT say that of many other metaphysical shops in SF bay. I wish they had more of a stone collection... but has awesome herbs! read more

A woman with white hair and glasses wearing a metatron necklace assisted me. Her energy was horrible. She was rude and snappy with me. Impatient. She made it clear that my large order was an inconvenience for her. At one point it even seemed like she was trying to convince me not to buy anything else from the store, particularly bath salts, herbs and oils because she clearly didn't feel like jarring them up for me. If I had wanted to buy anything else, I wouldn't have felt comfortable asking her to pull anything else off the shelf for me. I spent a lot of money here too. Will not be coming back here again. read more

I once loved this place...I did. The herbs, candles and books are good, which is why I couldn't just give it one star. This was my go to place when I needed candles and other things for my altar or rituals. What ruined it for me was the last time I went in, the moment I entered the building, the man with the beard behind the counter urged a customer to get her bag, which she left by the door, because "people" walk in off the street and may steal. Being a black person in a hoodie (me)...we all know this is grounds for suspicion. Whatever the reasoning behind why this was said, all I know is after a looooooong Sunday of doing difficult work w/ traumatized children, I just wanted to pick up some candles, go home, sit at my altar and connect with my ancestors. Instead, I was left feeling unsafe, hurt and confused. The self-talk began, "Keep your head up...you deserve to be in this space as much as anyone else...don't rush out...get what you need and browse as you usually do." Finally finished, got my Yemaya candle and bounced. I write this not to say don't go here, but this is more for the people who work here to be aware of the impact of their words on their customers. Peace. read more

I've been a customer of Ancient Ways for 20 years and they used to have great service and high quality products. A few months ago I bought about 8 candles. I brought them home, and they didn't burn. They kept going out. I thought it was just one, but when I tried the next candle, it wouldn't burn either. I expect it was a bad batch. So, expecting the great customer service they used to have, I went into the store with the candles. The guy behind the counter didn't seem surprised by the fact that they were defective and was angry and hostile when I asked for a refund. He said that he would be willing to throw them out for me, but took no responsibility for the quality of the product. If you buy candles, especially the 7-day candles skip this store. If you don't like hostile and angry customer service, I would also skip this store. I walked out of the store feeling like I had just been attacked for bringing up a legitimate concern. read more

This is an old, dusty, and unfriendly shop. Unfortunately they have a bit of a monopoly in the occult bookstore area. However, this is the bay area, and anything you can get here, you can find else where that's most likely cleaner and nicer. The staff varies in knowledge, and I wouldn't trust the herbs they have for magick-work or cooking. They don't sell a lot of herbs, which means not a quick turn-over, and herbs that are old for the buyer. I would much rather go to Lhasa Karnak (Berkeley) or Scarlet Sage (SF). And the book selection is hit or miss. Again, this is the bay area, and independent booksellers are going out of business. I would recommend going to one of them for your literary needs. And anything else- you can pretty much get at the Ashby Flea Market for a lot less. Or a local Farmer's Market. Or visit festivals that happen year round to buy from the actual craftspeople who make the things you want. Check out www.witchvox.com to look up events in your neighborhood. However if you want to visit the old, dusty, local occult bookshop to have a cranky salesperson (yes, just because you work at a "magick store", you are still in retail) to speak down to you, then this is your place. read more

Staff is knowledgeable about different products. I like to buy my candles, sage and in-scents from here. They also have very unique cards and gifts you can purchase. I bought a beautiful small box that had carving detail so small for a friend as their housewarming gift. They loved it including the beautiful card. read more

Just always get great service here, excellent really, very kind knowledgeable staff and warm tender hearts in the visitors that you will meet here, great deals on candles and stupendous selection of books, apothecaried herbs for spells, and all sorts of hexes and charms, incense, oils and craft materials for Wicca, Paganism, Voudou, Santeria, Orisha, Cantumble, Odinism, Asatru, Witchcraft etc! read more

Ancient Ways is The East Bay's answer to L.A.'s Panpipes. Tarot readings are one dollar per minute. Candles dressed by herbalists (and others in the know! ) are very affordable. There is also a large assortment of books, herbs, gems and oils. I will be back whenever I need to weave some magic into my life. read more

My encounter while visiting the shop was a very pleasant one and was given great customer service. The store clerk took time to dress my candle free of change, and answer any questions I had, as well as give me insightful advice. The atmosphere and vibe is very welcoming. I definitely plan on returning. read more

I really love this friendly, helpful, adorable little store right in the middle of the hood. Especially enjoy Merilee for readings who has proved herself to be kind, accurate,and invaluable in last minute crises. read more

Because I have had the opportunity to travel around the world giving workshops, I have been to many dozens of occult/new age book stores. Some have been much bigger than Ancient Ways. Some have been smaller. None is better. Five days ago I visited the store (after having not been there for some time) and found it well stocked with both common and rare items, as well as things necessary for various styles of spiritual practitioners. I observed the help who treated people with respect and shared their knowledge and skills freely. Too often I have not seen this in other shops. Yelp is a great tool, but I would urge readers to actually read some of the comments, especially by those who seem to have a bone to pick with this store. Some have never been here! Some attacked the store for its location. One made a false claim (there are other great occult-oriented stores in the Bay area and others are only a few clicks away on the internet). One rather strident person has 36 reviews to her record of which 28 are one star. That's a person who has found over 75% of her reviews completely negative. Is it possible that she just has a chip on her shoulder? Sure, reviews should be honest, but if you find such negative things everywhere, perhaps the source of that negativity is within oneself. Is Ancient Ways perfect? I don't know of any store I'd call perfect. But if you're in the market for spiritual books and tools, you're not going to find better. --Donald Michael Kraig read more

Next time you turn your kids into frogs and need to know how to change them back, come here. Missing that certain something for a love potion? Check this place out. Trying to hide a certain odor in your house? They have some nice incense & oils . I only gave them four stars. They were out of Eye of Newt. Easy street parking or just bring your broom in the store, and don't accept any offers to stay for dinner... read more

Had a forty minute Celtic Cross reading with one of their readers using the Rider-Waite deck. Didn't feel like there was any energetic connection with the reader. Seemed as though the reading went off course and had little to do with my journey. No fault of the reader, sometimes there's no connection. Store merchandise is interesting, especially the book selection, jewelry and candle selection. Not a fan of dressing candles but if you are, this is the place. Sketchy area. Would not go there on foot after dark. read more

Hi Yelp. This is Michael, the employee at Ancient Ways some of you may have seen mentioned. I wanted to take a moment to address the comments posted by user MS. from S.F.(3/13/13) Please accept our unreserved apology. I may not have been the one who made you feel uncomfortable, but I know when I show your comment to my co-worker, he will be mortified by having upset you. As manager I want you to know we saw this and feel awful about your experience. From the way you articulated what happened, it sounds like a case of really bad timing. Not just because of the warning my co-worker was giving to the other customer, but also the stressful day you seemed to have had before you came in. While trying to be thoughtful to someone else, he was inadvertently thoughtless to you. And while no one who works with the public in retail can always avoid the foot in mouth problem, I hope it can lead to healing to express our sorrow for the way you felt on leaving. One of the major goals/focus of Ancient Ways is to help our costumers become self empowered. And in your description of your inner dialog I think you showed your power. What was said may have brought you down, and you might not come back, but in the moment you refused to let the negativity turn you away. I loved your description of your self-talk, in part because I think everyone (I know I have) has said the same things to ourselves when encountering similar situations. Keep your head up indeed!! Sorry again about what happened. Thank you for you work with children, and I'm sure Yemaya has got your back! read more

Ancient Ways has a great selection of magical herbs at a reasonable price, but they need to seriously amp up their customer service in regard to one employee. Just today, I went by the shop to purchase some herbs. Initially, my experience was pleasant, but then it turned sour. The older gentleman (he had a hat on) working there had abysmal customer service skills. He kept speaking to an older customer at the store WHILE people were waiting to purchase some items. Ummm...yeah, it's not wise to leave customers waiting. Also, he was rude to me when I wanted to add an item to my order. I've been to Ancient Ways twice before, and I had pleasant experiences (one gentleman had long hair, and was quite helpful). read more

When I looked up metaphysical shops in the bay area this is the first that came up. I had been looking forward to coming here for some time. So one day I made the drive over the bridge into berkeley/oakland. I went to two shops in berkely before this so I was pretty satisfied with my purchases. I was looking forward to something amazing. I was somewhat disappointed. This store is mainly for candles.There was a large amount of people in there talking to the employees getting candles made for them. I kept looking at the jewelry case trying to grab the attention of an employee but no such luck. So i just browsed through the new books, which were too expensive and which i could have gotten elsewhere. It got even busier and I didn't think I was going to be helped anytime soon so I left. sorely disappointed. read more

A nice small Pagan shop for your all basic Pagan needs. Great selection on books that the public library doesn't offer. They offer to dress/bless your candles. I have been coming here for years, employees have has been helpful. Also, a nice spot for new/used Tarot decks. read more

The book section is a good size as well as varied, but I wasn't especially impressed by any of the books. They have many herbs and oils if that's what you're looking for, but I just get mine from whole foods since I know what to get. I wish their vodoun/santerîa section was larger--I didn't find anything by Luisah Teish in there. I expected there to be more literature by Starhawk and Z Budapest, too, but there were a few of their books available. I suppose it is a small store. They have great incense for a great price. Their OK incense is 10 cents a pop! And their better stuff is 6 dollars for about a dozen sticks, I believe. The man working behind the counter was kind and helpful. read more

I visited this shop yesterday for the first time. It was a pleasant surprise! They have a great selection of herbs and candles. They also have an assortment of crystals and statues. They have a great selection of oils and incense. The staff are very knowledgeable and friendly. They offer readings and candle dressing. The prices are the best I've found at any similar shop. I live an hour away, but with 1 visit I've decided to make this my "home" shop. read more

Ancient Ways was recommended to me by a friend. I've only been there twice. For both visits someone took time with me. Very helpful, friendly and caring people work there. Marilee helped me out a LOT!!! I can't thank her enough. read more

They've been around for more than 10 years at the same place; they're established. So, don't worry about the shopkeepers asking you to wrap up thousands of your dollars and throw it into the bay to get rid of a possible hex on you (if you're reading this review for this store, then you've heard the stories). What they will do though is concoct a recipe using their various goods (incense, candles, soap,) to bring luck, money, love, and anything positive to you or someone else. They will also help you bring bad luck to those you want bad luck brought to. read more

This is a very discreet place that I discovered just today, even though they've been in business for two decades. It's located in a quiet section of telegraph with plenty of parking. The two women that work in the store were very hospitable and friendly, not only to me, but to all the patrons. I literally had a list of things I needed to reference, and they asked me three times if they could be of assistance, which I appreciated. It was a relaxed atmosphere that I felt comfortable taking my time in. These kinds of stores are becoming a rare breed, and I intend on supporting this one. The store has an abundance of merchandise for your metaphysical needs and I found everything I was looking for and more. read more

This was a really cool store! They had a lot of old and new items in their store. Books, Tarot cards, jewelry, candles, stickers, and other fun things. They also had crystals, incense, and the staff was very knowledgeable and fun to talk to. They welcomed us right when we came in and told us to have a great day as we were leaving. The other customers seemed friendly as well. Nice store! Good prices. Thanks!! read more

I walked into ancient ways with my partner on Wednesday night and had such a great experience. The staff was very friendly and attentive. The store appears to be on the smaller side, but as soon as you are more engaged and explore, you realize that there Is a lot to see as well as feel compelled to purchase. We were particularly impressed with the large selection of seven day botanica candles. At check out we were also delighted to learn about "dressing" our candle and that made the experience all the more special. Burning this candle has been powerfully transformative and healing (as the candle is intended for) and we were so thrilled with all of it, we wanted to give ancient ways a stellar review! Thank you so much for helping us gain some peace and harmony in our lives! Much love... read more

What an incredible store, an amazing and diverse selection of beautiful candles for every occasion. For a first time customer, couldn't be more pleased! And the staff is extremely gracious and helpful. Lew was awesome to work with. Highly recommended! read more

Had an awesome experience today. Felt drawn to this shop since I discovered it. Went in with only ideas of what I was needing. Michael not only helped me with my candles but I picked up some sage and a bunch of new knowledge. I'm excited to use my new candles. I will be a returning customer for sure. read more

Love the assortment of crystals and quartz. The assortment of tarot decks are great as well. Love that they have sage and smudge sticks. Just a really nice little shop. Always a pleasure. read more

First time visiting today, this shop has a lot of purpose oils for Hoodoo along with candles. Also the store has multiple stones for a great price. I'm happy I found this store and will definitely go back for my needs. Also the lady that assisted me was very nice and helpful. Good customer service and great products. read more

Chocolates in the shape of the elder futhark runes! Wide selection of other things--candles, books on potions/spells, magazines on modern pagan life, herbs. I can't comment on the staff--I didn't really stay too long, because I came in thinking this place was something else. =) read more