My intent in writing this is to allow (especially young) women and men seeking spiritual direction to be informed that this store is not a safe space. This is my first Yelp review. I have visited Effigy twice in 2025 as a witch and lover of the unknown natural; my gut feeling on both occasions was that something wasn't right. Beyond the item prices being unmindfully high, In light of reading many other 1* Yelp reviews, I can deduce that Mark (the working owner of this shop) has made poor choices that damaged people (including degrading women) using the Craft as a front to justify this bad behavior. It's my belief that witches of all kinds should practice honoring the dignity of all beings and it seems Mark has failed to do this regardless of his spiritual teaching accreditations. I find this reported behavior egotistical, nauseating, and abhorrent. Although I'm sure this individual has many committed friends in this scene, he needs to be aware that this behavior leaves a soiled trail. read more

Love this hidden gem in Monroe! Great place for jewelry, incense and crystals. I love the oils they sell and super friendly owners

Wonderful, Delightful and full of knowledge. Everything about this shop feels right the energy is amazing and the staff and owner Mark are friendly, kind and open. I've been visiting this wonderful shop for workshops and crystals. Mark the cleansing you did felt great myself and my partner enjoyed the knowledge you shared. Thank you, Ill be stopping by very soon. I personally have had only "great experiences" when visiting never encountered any bad behavior. I'll update my review in the future and add photo if permitted by the owner. read more

I can not sing enough praises to Mark and his shop Effigy. I have been going to Effigy for many years now I frequently find myself using the apothecary for herbs and resins. The herbs are fresh and organic. The hand dipped insenses are my favorite. And I always leave with a new crystal. I have attended the Salem trip in the past which was a blast. Today was the first day I ever attended one of their classes. I went to their cleansing Class. A $20 donation: proceeds go to local animal charities. Mark is a great teacher and answers any questions his students have. I highly suggest attending classes at Effigy. The shop is a place of peace and a great resource; I've gone in to seek advice many times and have always felt like I was visiting an old friend. His prices are fair for the merchandise he sells. The hand crafted jewelry is high quality. I suggest everyone go and visit and pick up what ever they need from herbs to jewelry to tools of the craft to crystals. The atmosphere is cozy in the tiny shop as it is filled with many things the more you look the more you'll find. read more

Effigy - Leopardite. - Spiritual Shop Near Me - Monroe, Connecticut

This place is seriously wonderful if you are one to take mindful consideration into the items you use to practice Magick/witchcraft. The items are locally made/sourced (Or at least hand-crafted. No plastic/mass/produced items, essentially stripped of any significance or craftsmanship). You can gather lots of wonderful "pre-charged" tools and even learn more about the significance or background of the items offered within the shop. The owners of this shop were extremely welcoming and VERY knowledgeable. This is clearly their craft, passion and life. I advise anyone going into this shop to enter with respect and openness. Mark made it absolutely clear that if I was ever interested in something specific or had any questions, that he would do everything he could to help me. I look forward to returning here to stock up on essentials for my practice/work. Having access to a space like this--ran by folks with such rich backgrounds, training and presence-- is truly a privilege! read more

Always a pleasure to stop in an have a chat with the owner Mark. He is extremely welcoming, knowledgable, and acts as a great resource for any questions regarding the craft. This shop has a wonderful apothecary section and is my go to for fresh herbs. Not going to find another gem of shop like this anywhere else in the area! read more

Nice store. The woman who helped was nice. Purchased a reversible candle made by the store. It's pretty and handmade ... Unfortunately the wick melted into my candle. But will come back. read more

It was my first time stopping by and it won't be my last. I felt extremely welcomed by Mark as he shared so much knowledge with me. I felt very comfortable taking my time browsing around the store. There were two other women in the store that I didn't catch their names but they were very helpful too. Very knowledgeable individuals full of great energy! read more

I always pass this store going on errands and decided to stop in. It really is a nice looking shoppe! I love the feel and the look of the place! They have fresh herbs in the apothecary, which is hard to find. Also they have beautiful hand made alter tools, which I've only ever seen in Salem. They also have a good selection of Crystals and jewelry. The store has really good energy and the owner and workers there are very inviting and make you feel welcome. I didn't feel pressured to buy anything nor did I feel rushed once I did make a purchase. It was nice how the owner Mark was more than happy to answer my questions and to make sure I got all I needed. They also have workshops that I'm looking forward to attending. Over all I was very pleased with my experience and I can't wait to go back and get more! read more

It is refreshingly rare not only to find a shoppe that caters to the modern day Witch-but this is the ONLY store I have come across in CT never mind (upstate) NY that features an actual APOCATHARY! Yes, that's right...glass canisters sitting on shelves full of powerful herbs for making spell / mojo bags, talismans,potions and the like. HP Donna will be happy to guide & provide advice should you require it (as she has done for me twice now). Effifgy is a beautifully decorated shoppe specalizing in items you won't find readily anywhere else-from gorgeous hand carved staffs, books, candles, incense, an amazing array of stones and various altar decor to beautiful jewelry to beeswax poppets,this is my one-stop shoppe in all of CT to date. Did I also mention they have classes and lectures with authors such as Raven & Stephanie Grimassi? Visit their website for the latest list of events. UPDATE 5/2/17. Be sure to call before you visit. They keep erratic hours, which you probably won't know about unless you are on the email list. They still don't have a Facebook page. read more

One of my favorite stores in the state, no other store has the quality of altar tools that Effigy does. I've also taken a lot of classes and loved every one. I've learned so much from the owner Mark and he can special order whatever you need if it's not in store. This is the only place I'll buy my herbs from because I know they're fresh and not expired. Almost everything in the store is handmade and there are a lot of one of a kind items. I love everything I've ever bought from there. read more

Effigy - My hand blown witches ball from Effigy - Spiritual Shop Near Me - Monroe, Connecticut

See all

It has taken me a long time to work up the courage to talk about what happened to me when I decided to take a Witchcraft 101 class at this store. I decided to take the class because I always had an interest in witchcraft, and I wanted to feed the more spiritual part of myself. The class was $500 and I was permitted to pay in installments. It was $250 up front, which I somehow managed to afford. At the time I was barely making that much in a week, but I felt that connecting to a higher power was worth making the sacrifice and eating ramen for a few months. The store is run by two people, Mark and Donna. The issue here is Mark. When I first started going to the store, he was weird and aggressive off the bat, but sometimes I can be judgmental and I told myself to give him the benefit of the doubt. I was with a very good friend of mine and we stayed for a couple hours chatting about astrology, religion, and the craft. I found myself pleasantly surprised at how welcoming he was. He was very touchy feely, but I told myself that sometimes spiritual leaders are less bothered by physical contact with strangers. As time went on, when I came into the shop alone, Mark always turned the conversation over to sex. I'm typically unbothered by sexual conversation. Sex is natural and healthy. However, there comes a point where you have to acknowledge that someone is crossing the line. He also began making our hello and goodbye hugs longer and longer, even trying once to kiss me on the mouth. I turned my head away and he said "Some women just can't handle physical intimacy, they are very closed off." He was trying to gaslight me because I didn't want to kiss him on the mouth? Come on. As far as the class goes...WASTE OF TIME. Mark spent 90% of class ranting about how much he hates Wiccans, Feminists, Dianic Witches, how interested he is in Nazi Germany (he spent at least 20 minutes per class talking about Nazi Germany and how interesting it is and how much he wants to visit the camps and battle sites and how Nazis were witches), and all the other things he hates. I once asked a question about the Voodoo use of Catholic imagery on altars and he went on a 30 minute, profanity laced rant about how priests are rapists. He loved saying that every other shop in CT was a joke and full of cheap, Chinese made garbage. He once spent nearly an entire class during the election telling us all that Hillary Clinton ate babies and participated in the dark arts, and that Donald Trump needs to be president. He said that since women read 50 Shades of Grey, it's okay for Trump to say he grabs women by the p**sy because it is the same thing. Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE is entitled to their opinion about politics. However, I didn't pay $500 to hear someone yell about immigrants and claim that Hillary Clinton is going to bring about the end of the world. Donna is the other owner and teacher of the classes. She is certainly knowledgeable and kind, and she has a lot to teach...when Mark isn't belittling her and yelling over her. She was once explaining a holiday to a student and Mark actually looked at her at yelled "WHEN TEACHER IS TALKING EVERYONE ELSE IS SHUTTING UP." He was literally derailing the class to talk about Trump again and Donna was answering an actual Witchcraft question. As smart as she is, Donna lets Mark walk all over her and does nothing. She watched him bring in an actual USED vintage baby's coffin into the shop as decor (she made it clear she didn't approve), stood up to him about it briefly, and now its just a permanent part of the decorations of the place. I quit the class before it finished. I reached out to Donna and told her the truth. Mark had been behaving in a sexually inappropriate way with me, he kept trying to get me to do things outside of class with him (go to the casino, go on ghosts hunts with just the two of us, collect graveyard dirt), he kept making unwanted physical contact with me. I stopped coming to the shop outside of class and refused to be alone in the shop with him at all. His taking up class time for political rants, his assertion that "gay men just love drama" when hearing my friend was in an abusive relationship with his partner, his constant Nazi lectures..I told her all of it. Donna told me several women have come forward to say he has tried to be sexual with them. She told me none of them wanted her to confront him. I told her she had my permission to tell him everything I said. Donna told me she believed me and would call me back soon. She never did. I was under the impression that she was a strong, independent witch. Apparently I was incorrect. She obviously lets Mark run the show and behave as he pleases. I spent $500 (money I didn't have, that I made huge sacrifices in my life to afford) to get sexually harassed and learn very little about Witchcraft. Don't take classes here. Don't shop here. This is not a safe space and it is not a space with healthy energy. read more

The owner was working there when I came in. I was the only customer in the store, but there was a group of people hanging out there with the owner. He was very elitist (talking about "The Craft" as having a single "right" way to practice, and a single "knowledge" only he and not many people had), and he was aggressive with personal questions and kind of gaslight-y about it. I was getting some white supremacist vibes from him, even just from the sheer amount of appropriative things in the store that a white person really shouldn't be trying to teach people about. He really was hawking his classes. The "apothecary" (room full of herbs) was cool to see, but expensive. I bought the couple small things I came for and left. Over the next week, i kept kind of thinking back to it uncomfortably; there was just something really off about the owner and the store. I definitely will not be going back there. read more

Went there for the first time today. I was met with a bad attitude and my friends and I were very uncomfortable. They basically treated us like we didn't belong there because we didn't look like we fit the part. I have been a practicing witch for years and my buddy is a spiritualist. Just because we don't dress in cloaks and black everything does not mean we don't know what the items are. Their prices are outrageous as well. I could not take them seriously when I saw a miss cleos tarot kit there and they were littered with cheap halloween decorations. I will not be returning. read more

Staff seemed knowledgeable but I found this place extremely overpriced. Stones were going for $4-$5 each! The quality was good but you can take your time searching elsewhere and find the same quality stones for much less. The herbs were around $4.75 for a half ounce! That is insane, I can find the same herbs for less for an entire ounce. I also didn't like, nearly every customer that I saw walk in one of the workers would inform them "you know this is a pagan store, or witchcraft store" if you ask me that's a sure way to drive people out of your business. I am not religious but I take a great interest in stones, herbs, and oils, as I'm sure other people who are directed to this store do. It just seemed to me as though if you do not practice the craft you are not welcome at this store, not good for business. read more

I have heard great things about Effigy and decided to stopped in on a whim this past Sunday and I am so happy that I did. The owner, Mark, was extremely helpful and was so enthusiatic. The jewelry was stunning and I purchased a gorgeous (and very unique) pair of earrings crafted by a local artist. You can really tell that Mark and the other people who work at this shop are excited to share their knowledge of the craft and offer up a very relaxed space to explore the ancient traditions and history of magick and witchcraft. I will definitely be returning to this shop and I hope to check out one of the many classes they offer. read more

The owners of this shop are absolutely wonderful. I happened upon Effigy a number of months ago and from day one, I have been treated with nothing but the utmost respect. Donna and Mark will go above and beyond to help you, no matter what you are facing. They have not steered me wrong and honestly, my life has changed since meeting them. They offer a wonderful array of classes. I have taken every class that they have offered since I met them, and the quality of the classes is stellar. I don't know of any other shop that does this for their customers. I even got to meet author Edain McCoy and took two classes that she taught! I always feel welcome when I stop by and have met some of the most amazing people thru the shop. Sometimes I just stop in to hang out for a few minutes after a hectic day at work because the energy in the store is just fantastic and I honestly always feel better when I leave. Donna and Mark truly care for their customers and are always willing to lend a hand and make suggestions, but you must listen and follow their advice. If you do this, you will see your life turn around, just like I have. They are such positive influences and have so many customers, like myself, that truly appreciate all that they do for us. The items in this store are pretty much all hand made and one of a kind. They have a beautiful selection of wands, mirrors, athames, chalices, crystals, candles, oils, pendants, herbs, books, and so much more. The art work on the walls is beautiful, as well as all of the unique decor around in the shop. This store is filled with nothing but light and love, so please don't stop in expecting help with any dark arts, because you won't find it here. Donna and Mark, thank you so much for all that you do for me and all of your customers. Its truly a blessing to have your shop so close to home! read more

Honestly, if I could give this place 0 stars, I would! Curious buyer beware. I stopped by this store on my way through this past week (I've actually stopped two times before and they were not open) and was immediately accosted by the person that worked here. From what I can gather from other reviews, it appears to be one of the owners. What a shame. I immediately felt unwelcomed and judged the moment I walked in the door. The first question was, "You DO know this is a store for witchcraft, right?" I was then told, repeatedly, that this store was only for "hardcore practitioners" and was asked if I was part of the craft. I have never been asked these questions while shopping with online merchants, perusing shops in Salem, or frequenting other shops in our area and beyond over the past twenty plus years I have been actively part of this community. The feeling was akin to walking into a punk store and not "looking the part" enough. There is already a stigma in this community, so treating potential customers or other practitioners this way is shameful. The store had some beautiful pieces in it; handcrafted, artisan pieces. I am sure that they carry other things that I would have had interest in purchasing had my experience been better. Anything that we said or mentioned while in the store was immediately met with a rebuttal or a negative remark. Very sad. read more

I was in your store this past week and was absolutely amazed at how caring, kind, and wonderful everyone there was. Mark was amazing and helped me more than I can put into words. I had been struggling for years, trying to figure things out on my own, but somehow just one short afternoon at the shoppe and he helped me to find my direction. He told me that he would make sure that I got a phone call when any classes on herbalism and cleansing came up. He mentioned a newsletter list and I made sure to sign up for it. I also left him with my name and phone number for easier notification. He gave me great advice for cleansing and even did one for me right there! Being an empath is difficult and often leaves me tired and lethargic, but with what Mark taught me I feel that those issues will start to lessen over time. It wasn't just the individuals working there either, it was everyone who was in the shoppe at the time. There was a younger girl there who did amazing things with a pendulum who gave me one of her own stones to help with financial gain since I am starting my own business. I explained to the lovely woman Donna that I felt awkward about charging people, but she said there was nothing to feel awkward about. She told me that I am expending energy and time and that those are things I should be compensated for. She told me she felt similar when she started out, but that she eventually realized how important it was to be compensated for what she was doing for others. I explained that I would be doing my first public work at a feast going on in January and that I was incredibly nervous about it. She easily put my mind at rest and was so warm and kind. It was a trip I will not soon forget and I can't wait to come back to the shoppe. Thank you so much and may many blessings shine down on you all and your shoppe. read more

I enjoyed shopping at effigy I found beautiful citrine and rose quartz pieces there & I enjoyed the free snickers they had in a bowl haha the owner let me help myself. Beautifully decorated. Lovely show pieces. Nice variety of herbs. read more

I find it funny that the last review says you'll leave feeling "energized and amazing". Complete waste of precious time and energy was what I felt. I'm new to the area and was excited to find a shop like this just down the road from me. I'm a Master Herbalist and I usually grow everything myself, but also being in a military family I cannot take my gardens with me when I move. So, I love having a shop that I can go to if I'm out of something, etc. plus to be around like minded people. I was so disappointed after I left Effigy. I cannot stand it when someone is pompous about their spiritual knowledge (When it comes to spiritual knowledge some things work well for some and other things may work better for others. Spirituality is personal that way. Herbs can be that way as well.), plant knowledge, etc. and ASSumes that I know nothing about either. I got that from the male owner. Barely listened to anything I had to say about what I was looking for. Instead would just speak over me telling me his professional status and basically telling me to do/buy what he says I should. Maybe he just wanted to hear himself talk. Just because I'm not decked out in black and covered in pentagrams it doesn't mean I don't know jack. I was not at all impressed with the quality of their herbs (That "apothecary" is a joke and anyone who really knows anything about herbs and apothecaries would see that as soon as they walked in and saw it.) and the attitude I received was even worse. They proclaim to be a real wiccan shop, but I've been in ones that were the typical frou frou, touristy, all for show type that were way better, ESPECIALLY with customer service. There was a true blue shop in Nashville, TN by Vandy that I used to go to ALL the time and that was in the Bible Belt. I really thought I'd find the real deal here easily, but looks like that's not gonna happen. Maybe one day they'll be a "real" shop of this sort, but for now they have a LOT of work to do, especially on customer relations. In a shop like this, that's bad mojo and I definitely don't want that permeating any work that I do. I will never go back and pay their high prices again. Such a shame to have such potential and miss the boat that badly. read more

Effigy is a great store especially for those in the craft. The two owners are not only professional but have a very diverse knowledge on several different aspects of the religion. They have a great selection of things that are unique to their store especially if you are looking for hand crafted wands or staffs. I can't say enough about this store to my friends. It's not a museum or a freak show so I don't recommend those who are looking for a attractions or a love spell to go there but for a serious problem, they are more than happy to help. read more