There's a reason they've been in biz for almost half a century (less than half at this location I believe). My cusp of magic friend worked at a new age place during grad school but she quit and moved back to Texas when her real career took off. I won't name the place or the clientele but the clientele includes A-list celebrities/models, some of whom are icons your kids constantly repost on Tumblr from their heyday and currently still relevant. Being in touch with being on the cusp of prophecy, I was always giving her advice but more so in line with adding informed astrological decisions especially under disseminating moon phases when my intuition is at it's sharpest. I continued going there every now and then even after she was gone as it sold basics of what I typically look for until I interacted with new people they hired who did not seem to have a clue and by the end of my last purchase it would have been the third time I'd given someone who worked there, insightful advice. My friend also told me the new people weren't very good and she always wanted to hear stories of my interactions with them to confirm. It reminded me of when I was at Yoga House in flow and the instructor made an astrologically inaccurate statement about the current moon phase - there's just some new age places that are totally off when they try to play in that new age vibe but not all will catch it. Needless to say I haven't been back after that major third eye roll moment. And I wasn't even there for astrological insight, just physical flow. But if it is going to be mentioned it should at least be accurate. I decided to look for a botanica because I missed the groundedness of a real root work place and the airy abstraction of new age places was beginning to feel like a total drag. This is the nearest place, if not the only if I recall, that came up from Yelp searching "botanica." Lucky! The last time I've been to a botanica and saw an ordained priestess was in Texas almost a decade ago. In LA it's all pagan new age "hey kids wanna buy some magic? And maybe step up your Rennfaire outfit?" vibes. It felt so refreshing to be in a root work space again. I can't believe it is so much closer to me and I've been going to all the different places (not for readings, but basic supplies that would never change for me; something about those places just made me feel like they couldn't tell me what I myself can't with my own cards - and since I'm familiar or acquainted with a few I definitely can rule their psychic insight out). I only go for readings when I really can't figure things out for myself with my own cards and there's a real veil I can't seem to lift or pierce on my own and need further insight. Richard is the best person I've ever gotten a reading from thus far. I also came in having meditated on my questions in such a way to allow him to more easily access the answers. Even though I don't get them often I've gotten them enough as a standard of comparison to make that statement...I've gotten read 3 times in Texas 2 of which were cowrie shell readings, once in Palm Springs which didn't feel like a reading, and now. His tarot reading approach is unique, with stones, tapping into a lot more. He isn't vague and had a lot to say. It's $50. These readings tell you more about your spirit guides and ancestors coming through that support you (it is not a coincidence he gave me the same exact number of spirits with me as my reading a decade ago in Texas and included some same some new but accurate details to confirm the ancestors). Run of the mill hipster new agey tarot readers in Silverlake cannot tell you these things about the spirit world and are less psychically in tune; it seems they simply interpret cards that are drawn. While highly intuitive, most are not actually psychic. They could not pierce the spiritual veil as Richard did. I didn't know cowrie shell readings were an option here but good to know they are, it is at $70. I love how this place sells Mexican Nivea, makes me feel like I'm really in another country. As with any place that "sells magic" I recommend you still try to approach any place as level headed as possible (although people might tend to get readings when desperate). Obviously there's no magic to weight loss, for example; you don't really need a sign to affirm whether or not you need to get physically healthy for yourself. With such matters, you either do or don't. As much as I believe, it's important to be realistic and put in your own work for yourself for these things to work for you (and why I like that it's called ROOT work because that just grounds it for me). It requires cultivated self-knowledge and self-possession otherwise it will be futile because you'll find what you didn't know about yourself in itself is one obstacle. And when you don't know or don't know that or what you don't know, ask Richard. Seriously. Best to bring cash since there's a $2 surcharge. read more

This place sucks, what a waste of money, pray instead, ask god for guidance, dirty carpet, fire hazard with all the candles lite in that little closet, over priced items, Maria was so rude, bad energy read more

A hidden gem in Pasadena. The lady was welcoming and helped me navigate with what I was internally looking for. The aura of the store gave me the sense that a lot of healing was done there. I will definitely be going back to inquire about the readings they do and connect more with the staff :) read more

I cannot recommend Jesus enough for a reading... His through card reading and intuition are superb! Jesus likes to get to know his clients ahead of time, prior to a reading, and has incredible insight for current and future events. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! read more

This place is so nice ! They have everything, and they are friendly. I came here for my first time looking for some Oil and roots. Then i saw a sign that there is a card reader name Jesus . So, i made an appointment because i have a lot of question to myself that I don't know the answer. I was confused ..... But to make a story short.... jesus is so amazing guy he gave me all the answers to my questions. He is really good and easy to talk . Now my anxiety and fear are gone. I have peace of mind now. I highly recommend him... read more

I didn't go for myself. I took someone who wanted a reading really, REALLY bad. We yelped and found this place. Personally, I've never benefited from any "reading" I've ever had. So the shop is tacky, filled with creepy things that claim to help you find love, money, loose weight or rid you of evil spirits...I think I'd pay for weigh loss myself :p They've been there forever. I suggest you ask for Jesus (he may be the only healer there but just to be sure) Like I said, I don't need this stuff, but my young, curious, freshly heartbroken, friend wanted answers! Jesus was incredible, he was more like a life coach with tarot cards. He didn't freak my friend out with dire news that only an expensive "cleansing" can cure, but instead, advised her to listen to good advice and not to rush through life so much (among other personal things that are private) If you HAVE to get a reading, make an appointment with Jesus. I love that guy, I swear I'd have him over just because he's so fun, nice, and insightful! read more

....Where to begin....out of random chance and desperation we ventured into this hidden nook in the pasadena woods; The San Antonio Botanica I called on a sunday morning hoping to make an appointment for a friend (who shall remain nameless). Weve been in search of someone "legit" and well...let just say RICHARD is as legit as they come! I wont go to much into detail on what went down that day but As my friend was taken to the back room I decided to brave it out and wait outside! (no i was not scared!) anyways...my then skeptic friend is now a believer! Richards card readings were super duper accurate, his shell readings as well and his ability to see things that were never brought up was on point! I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND RICHARD to anyone seeking spiritual guidance...believer and non believer welcomed-hes pretty young but dont let this disourage you...like the say "age aint nothin but a number" if anything this makes it really easy to talk to him! all in all hes a cool cat! oh yeah and regarding the place...it pretty easy find as it was located in a small plaza off Lake, parking was a piece of cake and the shop itself was clean, Friendly, and organized! The lady at the counter was very helpful and answered my foolish curious questions! Candle to entice lover: $5 natural healing book: $20 herbs and what-not: a few dollars visit with richard: PRICELESS! read more

Excellent Products very friendly services, always smell so, good once you enter amazing experience and very Gifted Spiritual Reader he is the one to see. read more

Came here the other day to buy a book and some trinkets for my friend. It's a very well kept place, not like a dungeon or anything but like a cozy pharmacy but your pharmacist is a Santero priest. Good prices. Getting a reading from Richard, the priest in the back room, only cost me about $40. Very knowledgeable and a nice guy too; you can sit with him for hours! The readings were very precise and helpful; no BS at all. Recommended it to all my friends. read more

Full disclosure: as an atheist, I think all of this religious/spiritual/ magic is total hogwash. Still, this business caters to a particular niche, and who am I to judge (back-peddle: Ayn Rand is also total hogwash, but I do agree with her "we must judge" philosophy. Mainly because being non-judgmental is boring.) But I digress. The woman who is always here is courteous, helpful and clearly knows her clientele and products. And although Food 4 Less sells the same candles for 1/2 the price, do you REALLY want to support Food 4 Less when you can support this amazing small business. Plus, if you buy your candles at Food 4 Less, who knows what kind of nasty hex she'll cast on you. Why not hedge your bets. Everyone wins. read more

I just came here about two weeks ago in search of High John the Conqueror root. I got a huge piece about an inch and a half in diameter for $3.99 which is a lot cheaper than other places I've checked out. The place looked very tidy and clean, almost like a medical pharmacy... There was a priest to Yemaya there who does readings who is pretty knowledgeable. He's fairly young, around his 20's-30's. He doesn't "work" there, he just does readings was what he said. There was a whole wall of herbs, candles and a variety of other things I'll have to check out sometime. read more

I went to get a reading with with Richard who's a Priest in Santeria. His reading was extremely accurate and he answers any questions that you may have. He's patient and goes over the reading with you in detail after he's done. Most of my family members are extremely cautious of anything non-Catholic related, but Santeria isn't Vodoo. Richard's a really young guy that knows his stuff and doesn't mess around. If you want to know what's up or why you feel the way you do, or are just curious about anything in your life, he's the go-to guy. Thanks!! read more

I love this place. I always find what I need. The service is great also. I really do like the babalawo there too.

This place is great. I started coming here last year to buy candles. They have a great selection of different spiritual candles, there's everything from 7days to 15 days, figures, 7 knobs, Saints, and the Orishas. Besides candles, they have a fairly large selection of different herbs in Spanish. There's quite a large selection on spiritual oils too (I believe from Indio). Normally when I go there, I see Elsie, the owner. She's nice to talk to and if you have any questions on which candles to burn for your situation you can ask her. There's a small room in the back for readings. There are two people who do readings: Nelly and Richard. Nelly uses the Spanish Cards (and I think the Tarot too), while Richard (a Santero) uses both Tarot and the Cowrie shells (Diloggun). I've had readings with both and they're very clear and spot on. The readings cost $40, which is very reasonable and they don't rush you at all. I had a reading done by Richard yesterday with the shells, and it was very profound and spiritual. It was my first reading with the shells and definitely not the last one! Anyways, after the reading, they normally prescribe you certain herb baths or candles to burn. So If you're looking for a clean, well kept and stocked botanica with nice knowledgeable people, be sure to check this place out! FYI: Nelly only speaks Spanish but she was nice enough to have her daughter with us to translate the reading for me! read more

They are always helpful and friendly when I come in to buy a multitude of supplies. I also come to get readings with Jesus and let me tell you! That man is good at what he does. He's so easy to speak to and he has a great sense of humor. I would recommend him any day. You must make an appointment first, though before you can see him. This Botanica overall is my one stop place for all my witchy needs!, read more

Go to Richard if you want the reading of your life. Sometimes he says things you don't want to hear, but if you want someone to tell you your perfect- pay anyone 20 bucks and they'll tell you your a king or queen. read more

Using one's intuition is the best way to find a botanica, and San Antonio (St Anthony) is the patron saint appropriate for my situation, and they were just blocks from where I was running errands today when I needed a botanica. The staff was very patient and kind about my high school Spanish, after a few sentences they handed me over to the santero who is fluent in English who took me back into his altar room. He was totally on point with his consultation, as well as being super cool and very open; he put me at ease immediately. There is no hard sell, no cold-reading BS (I am experienced with readers, and can tell when I am getting hustled, and there was none of that at San Antonio) They are fully stocked, clean (spiritually and in terms of tidiness), and I will definitely be returning. read more

Love this gem in Pasadena...it has all the different things I like. Vitamins and Herbs (Nature Sunshine), candles and incense and great tarot and shell readings (although I have not tried the shells yet- but my friends love it) I have had a spiritual cleansing that was fabulous. The energy is so refreshing in there, I enjoy going to look around and feel the energy. They are all very nice people that work there, I love the prices and the products...time for me to go back. : ) read more

Well, let me start off by saying that I am a very skeptical person to say the least and had no expectations at all by coming to the Botanica. But my brother whom I trust with my life and love suggested I come with him for a visit to see if they could help me with my constant anxiety, nightmares, and general mental discomfort that I have been suffering for a very long time now. The staff was courteous and friendly, and answered all my questions. I sat with Jesus, a soft spoken man with a very strong aura that makes you feel relaxed as soon as you meet him. He gave me a reading and I have to say with all honesty was accurate beyond belief! Not vague, or assuming...it was like he knew what I was going thru. I made an appointment for a cleansing the following weekend, and met Jesus again for what was on of the best decisions I have ever made...Period! I am sleeping better then I have in years and awake fresh and rejuvenated, no more nightmares or the anxiety that ruined my life. I am focused and not stressed and have a sense of calm and inner peace that was foreign to me.And my 2 children notice the difference and so does everyone around me. Again I didn't know what to expect, and don't know how this all works. But I have a new lease on life and truly believe Jesus was a god sent to me! Thank you Jesus for mending a broken soul. George Cueva read more

I love this store. Jessie gives the most accurate readings, the owner is a really nice lady, and they always have what I need. The energy inside is very clean; I feel welcome and comfortable whenever I go inside. I recommend this spot to all of my friends or family who are in need of some spiritual guidance. read more