Yolanda is the truth. I booked a couple of "shells" readings with her a few years ago and everything she told me was on point. I'd highly recommend her if you're looking for spiritual advising or if you're feeling stuck in a rut in some aspect of your life. Anything is fair game with her. You can have your own specific questions or you can just go with the flow and let her do her thing. I kinda did both. But be warned: she will tell you what you *need* to hear, not necessarily what you want to. It will all be in your best interest. If you're a reality TV aficionado, she would be like the Tami Roman of psychic readings. As the kids nowadays might say, she "keeps it 100," but it comes from a place of deep respect and integrity. And I don't know about you, but if I'm paying for a reading, I'd much rather prefer Tami (over, let's say, Meeka or Suzie). Even if you're not interested in a reading, this place is a worth a visit. Their energy is great and they have an extensive collection of candles and other magical stuff for a variety of needs. If you need help, just ask whoever is working and they'll answer any questions. read more

Agende cita para una lectura. Maneje desde Richmond hasta SF gaste gasolina, tiempo, dinero para que al final me dijeran que no podían atender. ‍ read more

Good treatment in the service with well explained I wish they open earlier I do recommend this place read more

Love this place! I had a great experience. My reading was amazing & so accurate it scared me!

Moved several years ago and miss this place! Yolanda is on point. I recommended six friends and family and they all were so impressed (even the skeptical ones). read more

Make an appointment. Get your candles. Sage. You won't be disappointed. Definitely call ahead and make an appointment since hours are limited. read more

Hello everyone! Botanica Yoruba has recently changed locations to 3463 Mission St, San Francisco CA. It has completely changed the look and the feel of the store. Although I have always loved Yolanda and all her services I believe this change was what she needed, loving the new Botanica and I can't wait to keep it alive in San Francisco for many more years!! read more

Great prices are you all open or have a way to order during the Quarantine? we want to keep providing with service.

I would have never even thought of coming here if it weren't for Upper Play Ground advertising these awesome Forty Niner candles I just bought yesterday. Called the store and asked the hours (10-6 Monday-Friday) b/c I could find that information anywhere on the web and if the store still had some in stock in time for Super Bowl Sunday. Yolanda was nice and informative on the phone and insisted that she probably would have some for purchase the next day. When I went there, her store was clean, had some neat items on her shelves and felt like a sense of pride Yolanda upholds in her store. Yolanda seems like a very sweet lady as well. Really nice design on these candles and just lit mine today in hopes for a Niner victory come Sunday! Go Niners and thank Yolanda for the unique item. : ) read more

Botanica Yoruba - Super awesome Forty Niner candles purchased at Botanica Yoruba for Super Bowl Sunday. GO NINERS! - Supernatural Readings Near Me - San Francisco, California

I got a shell reading and I'll tell you everything she said was on point. Eerily on point. I love their selection of candles and spiritual items. I will definitely be returning to purchase items for my spiritual journey. A very warm and welcoming environment. read more

I felt the need to write this because I think that some of the reviews here are bullsh*t written by people who don't get what this store is about. Yes, things are on the dusty side and can seem kind of kitchy camp, but you don't just come here to take home some neat-o souvenir; if you have a real reason to be there ask for help and you'll find it. my case: a friend was going in to knee surgery and I wanted to do something to be sure that it was was successful and he was in minimal pain. The woman who helped me made a whole kit up out of the various items in shop and gave me specific instructions about a blessing ritual to perform on my friend. They were EXTREMELY helpful and didn't charge anything other than for the supplies I bought (which wasn't expensive / tipping was optional). SO: If you have a good reason to go, check it out. I dig this place and the people who work here. p.s. my friends surgery went great, he recovered fully, and whether that was the ritual or not I don't know - BUT: just performing it on him made him feel more confident. read more

If I could stop laughing for a minute, that would be great! The reviews of this botanica are really funny (Unintentionally, I think.) Ok, so there are a ton of reviews for what people think of Santeria (and the related religions) or what they think of botanicas, in general. Here's what: if you are looking for an upscale, nouveau pagan, vegan joint, well this isn't the place, so I would suggest not faulting it for what it simply will not be. Personally, I don't go to the Italian butcher if I want soybean paste, you know? So, here is a review of the business, Botanica Yoruba. It is run by a devotee of Oshun (who is an interesting and lovely fellow) and it is an excellent source for supplies. They carry a good variety of things for the practitioner and for the slightly superstitious lay person. There are readings from the basic, palm-reader version, to the cowries, and while most people in the community get readings from their houses, for other people in need they are quite sufficient. On that note, always be careful what you ask. You might just get the answer. Remember that this is a supply and community support store, not a place that will divulge the secrets of Ifa or Congolese-based religions. Enjoy it for what it is. read more

I go there to get candles when I need them, and then I get the h* out because sometimes they're fine with me there and sometimes a few of the employees react oddly to me. I don't look like what you would expect of a Spanish speaker (and I don't speak it well, that's on me.) There may have been an ownership shift in the store- last time I was there I was told it was cash only when they'd been using a debit machine for years before. There are also a few new people working there that seem to expect attitude from the likes of me, without any actual stimulation beyond appearance. It's a specific cultural thing, that store, and if you're on that level, you get it, and if you're not, you don't. Also...Oshun is not male. read more

I sought this quaint shop out initially because I am conducting research for my anthropology class. Santeria is an amazing religion that is greatly misunderstood. Many of the other yelp reviews i think were from people who do not understand what the store is about. Unlike what other reviews stated, i found the shop to be clean and well stocked. Everyone was very helpful in answering my questions. I made an appointment for a shell reading Yolanda is absolutly amazing! I came in looking for information, and i received so much more. I felt a strong pull towards researching this religion from the very beginning, and after my visit i understand why. Thank you Yolanda for insight and understanding and that you Shannon for all your help in answering my questions! read more

I don't care what anybody says hands down Yolanda is THE best Santera I have ever known. She is so knowledgeable sweet and caring. She's professional and doesn't sugar coat anything. I have known her since I was a young teenager I'm 36 now and would never trust anyone else.I have also reccomended tons of ppl to her throughout the years and recently one of my close friends and she is very happy with her! Yolanda is real and not a fake, I love and have much respect for her she's awesome! read more

Botanica Yoruba - Love my guardian angels! - Supernatural Readings Near Me - San Francisco, California

One of the cool stores left in the Mission. It did move further down, but same wonderful experience. It's not an intimating place, especially in the new address. Everyone is super nice and kind. I like getting candles when I am stressed or just need a boost. Definitely a fun girls day out when your looking to do something after getting coffee and wanting to explore the Mission. Readings have always been on point and honest. I recommend anyone looking for something different or just wanting some guidance that they can take or leave, either way its fun and a great place to visit in the Mission. read more

Not quite what I was expecting. I'm really fascinated by Creole, Caribbean religions and ceremonies. I love mythology, especially about spirits and water gods. I thought this would be a little more mystical, although I did like some of the jar-candles with catchy phrases painted on them ("Get Lucky"), I didn't like how dirty everything was. Everything looked like it had been on the shelf for ages and had collected years' worth of dust and filth. I didn't want to take anything of that place home. Also, I think I've seen all those candles and various incense at the dollar store. Sorry. True. read more

This place sucks!!! Me n my friend tried to schedule appts. with this lady n she reschedules time after time. If she doesn't want to see us just say so!! read more

This is probably one of my favorite places to go to. Well stocked candles, readings are true, and service is well. It's a very authentic place to go to. read more

The woman @ the counter informed me most of the candles were $3.25-$5. I was interested particularly in the 7 Saints candle, but also wanted a Virgin de Guadalupe, St. Jude, & St. Francis candle but unfortunately 3× the price of what they would normally cost @ a 1$ shop in the Mission, which leads me to think they might have a charm...There might be something special about their products or this place but the customer service did not reflect that nor was I made aware of any services they offer. I am a very Spiritual person & would have liked to know more about there Services but my initial experience was not all that Inviting although looking at their products was interesting. The Lady at the counter was Very very busy on her Mobile phone & she didnt offer any help or info. read more

This is the shop I come to when I need candles or want spiritual product. I've never had a problem here, and the staff has always been helpful and courteous. They have hundreds of candles and I enjoy browsing here when I have time to do so. If you don't know what you want or what you're doing, you won't get much direction here--although not rude, this isn't a novelty shop, and you can feel the energy of the store before you even enter. If you have questions that are specific to your needs or the merchandise here, they will be answered. Have your candle dressed by one of the staff (an extra 1.50 per candle). The best botanica I've been to yet (I've been to multiple in the bay area) and this one seems to be the most legit and have the most product available. All of the staff speaks Spanish here, and I get the feeling you are probably more at ease if you are a person of color here (I am, but do not speak Spanish and I think this hinders me at this particular place). read more

I will admit that I don't know anything about Santeria, but I found the energy coming from this place hard to resist. I never felt nervous or unwelcome being there, and I found some interesting candles. needless to say, my interest is peaked. read more

I can't believe this place exists....oh wait, but we are in the Mission here so.....cool! This is a very special store. To be exact it is a supply store for religious rituals, as there candles of all types stocked on the shelves....all different types of candles...for only $3.50 - hey, not bad!. I wish I knew more about these rituals as it would be fantastic to know. There are palm readings in the back....which I'm sure would be pretty interesting. I participated in the Yelp Scavenger hunt this weekend and went in here to grab a purple candle with a picture of a Jesus on it to use for one of the upcoming challenges. Personally, I'm Jewish, so buying a candle of the Crucifixion of Christ doesn't make me feel good about myself but the Purple Jesus was the funniest part of The Big Lebowski, and the AWESOME CARRIE C., suggested buying this candle....so I just thought it was brillant and we went into the store, twice to get the candle. read more

Didn't even receive a greet or anything when walking in continuously took people who spoke Spanish and walked in after me .. I waited a whole 20 minutes and not 1 word was said.. extremely awful customer service read more

Creepy but fun. Your neighborhood Santeria headquarter. I haven't checked out the remodeled look yet. The original decor and the vibe of the place spooked my friend, but I'm looking forward to going back. read more

Best Botanica ever I came here to get some help and to be honest I've been feeling like good things are coming my way . She did my reading and told me what I needed and now I feel so positive and blessed great customer service. I can say one of the best I ever visited thanks alot.....if you want positive and the negative to be removed you need to make a appointment with her she is the best. read more

*** They are open Monday - Saturday 10 am - 6 pm!!! *** Came by here yesterday with my sister and friends to buy some candles, the girl behind the counter although really young, was helpful enough and helped prepare our candles and gave us some insight. She did apologize that she could not answer all our questions as it's normally her grandma helping run the store, and she was in the middle of a cleansing, but it all worked out. They have a bunch of oils and a huge variety of candles to choose from at fair prices. The young woman and the few minutes we met her grandma, were very friendly and helpful. I'm hoping to make another trip this month for a reading. read more

This is my first Yelp review ever! I don't write reviews. If I am dissappointed or unsatisfied with a place, I just won't go back there and that is it. But I had to write this review...Maybe because I dont believe there's a good alternative to her in sf(I do think she is good in what she does) or maybe because I just wanted to let Yolanda know( I really hope she will read this!) on how dissappointed I was today! I went in today at 1pm for my scheduled reading with her and she wasn't there and the girl behind the counter told me she wasn't in yet (didn't even mention she was on her way or what time she would be in and not even apologetic she was as she said all this. Also pointed to a another person who was before me his appointment was for 12 30 apparent read more

I stopped at Botanica Yoruba to buy a candle last week, and what a great surprise to find someone there who speak French! Looking at the past reviews I was a little worried, because I don't speak spanish but Claudia is fluent in French. She helped me selecting what I needed and gave me great advice. I went back again today, and met a great person who is fluent in English and very knowledgeable. The price are decent and I highly recommend the store. Even if you don't know what to get or maybe you have nothing in particular, the set up is really nice with all the different colors candles. Merci pour votre aide ;-) read more

Put a curse on me... go ahead. I'm already dammed. I went to Botanica Yoruba to get my cards/shells read. I'd been having an awful week and just wanted some reassurance. First off, Yolanda was exceptionally nice. (all stars are for her) but she was also exceptionally late for my appointment and I'm not saying she doesn't have the power of the Gods to read and direct, but at least not in my reading I don't think she did. It probably was the worst reading I've ever had. Nothing specific, just general "You'll be happy" stuff. One of the moments I felt the most jaw dropping and ridiculous was when I asked my first question about the career I want to follow she asked me what it was, I responded "Art Restorationst" she picked up the shells, shook them, threw them on the table and said "Yep, that's what you are supposed to do." Kidding? Really? I didn't see the shells spell out "Art Restorationist" but I was on the otherside of them. My second question was of course about love. She did the same thing. Picked up the shells, shook them, threw them on the table and said "You will be happy and married." Little did she know I don't want to get married, so I don't consider that "happy". I was baffled that I was about to give this lady $55. All in all, I respect santeria and the likes but come on. Yolanda, you are such a nice lady but do you think you could take the bluetooth out of your ear to direct my future? read more

I work down the street and was at first really shy to go in. I don't speak much Espanol so I get intimidated easily. A friend brought me there for a reading, which I really enjoyed it and even though it delved into things I could never guess she would know, I was teary by the end of the reading. Yolanda the owner was very sweet to me. In my reading I didn't feel like something less then and I took a lot from it that I found really helpful. I prefer to support a local neighbourhood business rather then get my oils,candles etc. from safeway. I found it very helpful and much much cheaper then going to a therapist that says stuff like "oh you have had it hard" without giving tips to cope with the problem you came to get help for. I found more peace of mind in getting a reading here. Sure there are fakes out there, but this place isn't one of them. I am sure they get all sorts of interesting tourists and looky loo's laughing at products and making judgments. They come down the street to my store too and make fun of stuff too because they aren't comfortable with things they don't know about. (in my stores case: s-e-x.) Some folks' reviews below....how very ethnocentric. I find that calling people "freaks" is totally negative towards a place and people who have been in this nieghbourhood longer then the hipsters have been alive, practicing a tradition that is 2000 years older then Christanity. What I found when I went in there was people practicing a tradition that encompasses many other traditions and doesn't trash on things that they don't do (which you do see in many other religion type things) With all that road work on Valencia, it is really hard to keep shelves looking sparkly and I work at the "sex toy store" down the street that is fighting the same issues. The counter people have changed a couple times and they are very helpful (and speak english too) in explaining what they are about, which is what I find facinating for something that has been underground so long. With people calling others "freaks" I can see why! What do YOU live in San Francisco then? We are a city of "freaks"!! Maybe I am just a dumb ass with an outdated tattoo, but at least I can spell Santeria. As for brutal animal sacrafice? For folks that kill ,cook and eat their own food, then good for them. Tell that to Jewish folks when they do the same thing for there Kosher food. Go to the supermarket where it's done for you, all nice and neat if you want. Think about what you do before bagging on others.Sheesh. They aren't selling animals there, they are selling something helpful for local people. Sure the streets need work, all of SF's do, but how about talking a walk around a historical neighbourhood check out the cool bookstores and maybe that cool strange place down the street that sells taxidermy while your at it. read more

I needed some spiritual counseling and that is exactly what I got. Yolanda reconfirmed everything that I was already feeling/thinking about my life and long-term relationship. As for the young ladies that had appointments canceled - I will admit that I have had appointments cancelled on me in the past. I even stopped visiting spiritual advisors these past four years because I started questioning the practice. The cancellations can often pertain to the energy that you are transmitting at the time. It takes the reader a ton of internal energy to give a reading, and given the cleansings going on in the basement it isn't best practice to see someone who is "unsure" of the practice. The spirit (or saint) might shut-down and then what is Yolanda going to tell you? "Come back when the spirit is available to see you."... Overall, you might think that you want a reading and you are open to what Yolanda has to say, but deep down inside it might not be the case. Just talking from my own personal experiences, so please don't take it personal. :) Okay -- so the reason why I gave the botanica a "four" (and not a "five") is because Yolanda told me that I am literally bankrupt. She was right, given that the government owns me until I pay off the hundreds of thousands of dollars in educational debt I have incurred. Working toward my MBA seriously put me in the red. Yolanda mentioned that things are not going the way God envisioned for them to go and it is because of obstacles getting in my way. She was right yet again. This past year has been one obstacle over the other. In the same breath she mentioned that she can offer me a spiritual cleanse for $495. Okay Sherlock... you just told me that I was bankrupt and now you are charging me $495 for a spiritual cleanse. Where am I possibly going to get the money for that? I'm going to have to opt for the $25 (3-day cleanse) that smells like sh*t, prepare my own concoctions, and hope for a better reading next time she sees me. :) read more

I went here yesterday for a consulta for the first time as I was visiting SF city . I'm learning about the Santeria religion and I had a very good experience with Yolanda. She is the real deal. How do i know? Because I had my cards read a few years before back in my country and they try to scam you by offering cleansings that costs $500 and up....im sure she does cleansings but she was in no way aggressive nor pushy with her work. Her readings are accurate and gave very helpful advice from where i am now in life. She was even shocked I gave a tip because she said her tip is when people actually listen to her advice. Yolanda and the older lady at the front were so hospitable and it was a relaxed environment. I will come back next time I visit read more

I love this place. It truly feels very spiritual in here. I had a reading here with Yolanda and her caracoles. I had no trouble making the appointment and she never rescheduled me, not sure if its because I speak spanish or not or because my mom was the one that made the appointment. She asked me for my name and birth date and honestly told me things only I knew. Regardless of whether or not the whole thing was a hoax or not I came out feeling a lot better and calm with the issue I came in to deal with. And for those of you criticizing santeria maybe you should do a little research before you start talking shit. read more

This is a bare bones bontanica, and I wouldn't classify it in the same realm as Ifa and Yoruba categories. This is along the path of the santeria studies. The people there seemed nice enough. I picked up a couple of candles. They seemed to be out of all the things that I really needed: efun, shea butter, palm oil etc. You catch my drift? They did have a really nice Eshu statue, but the Yemaya was extremely sad. I hope the best for the people that own this shop and that they continue to expand their line of products for people working the path. read more

I highly recommend this bontanica. Yoli is a truly gifted, good hearted, and provides on point readings (as for the shells reading). Yoli and the botanica can really help a person and it's a fun place to visit. read more

Yolanda is truly a gifted person. I had a lot of things going on in my head. Hard times. I walked in "by chance" not even knowing I was going to have a reading. I walked out and then back again to finaly ask if they were doing readings. Yolanda's reading helped me hear what I already knew I had to do. It gave me faith. read more

I wanted to give an update as Yolanda deserves high praise. All the information and everything that was said in those readings have come to pass. I'm very impressed and pleased with Yolanda's spiritual guidance and accuracy. read more

Overall, I felt that Yolanda was pretty accurate. There are still situations/events I am waiting to see happen in the future. Maybe I'll write an update if/when they happen. I will return to her in the future. I was recommended to her by a friend who was recommended to her by someone else. read more

Friendly staff! Botanica Yoruba is a Mission District O.G. Originally located on Valencia Street (before Valencia was 100% revamped) the owner then moved a few blocks away, 19th & San Carlos, this is where you will now find Yolanda :) It's a very unique store. Some come for answers, some come for curiosity, and some just stumble upon the place and want to learn a little more. I come here often for candles & always leave happy with the service. Simple purchase, great experience. read more