Visiting this bookstore is an amazing experience. The selection is eclectic and has some rare finds. The host is well-informed and provides great community support. read more

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For a small space, they have a lot of selections of books to stones to tarot cards. I was surprised by how much time passed when I was in there. If you're looking for tarot cards, they have all kinds starting at $26. They have the standard ones to Native American cards. They have all kinds of stones that start at $7. I like how they write what each stone is and what it can do for you. I would say all of the stones present were conducive to positive consequences. The person I talked to that worked there was very knowledgeable. She knew a lot about each stone and tarot. She answered all my questions thoroughly. They also do spells! You can do consultations with them for this. read more

I used to go to the occult bookstore when it was in Wicker Park when Russel ran the store. The new location and the vibe is just the same ! Definitely worth stopping in! read more

Store was meh at best. Mostly dusty books that have been sitting on shelves and a poor selection of overpriced stones. However, my wife found a stone she was getting good energy on (while I was getting bad energy off the whole store). Suddenly a woman that was not on the floor came out and asked my wife to check her purse. At first, I was like "does she think she stole something, cos that's f'd up if so". The woman replied that there was art around the shop (there was not) and that the purse could swing and damage the non-existent "irreplaceable art". And so the purse was given and put in a very odd spot behind the counter. Mind you, my wife was very excited to purchase the stone she found ($30? I've seen way better prices in London, of all places.) Then we realized that the other three women in the store that were also with purses were not asked to check theirs behind the counter. At this point, we realized my wife was clearly pinpointed and being rudely and unnecessarily singled out. We are not shady looking or weird or distrustful looking people. We're quite nice and look like every other basic human out there. Either way, we said screw it and asked for the purse back, put the stone back on the counter, and left. I'm not one to write nasty reviews, but this was a singled out for no good reason incident that needed to be called out. Go and be dissapointed if you want, but I will certainly not offer my support. read more

This is definitely a solid place, mostly for their rare finds. Their basic selection is decent- nothing really outstanding, but behind the counter they've definitely go some dusty old tomes that beg to be devoured. The pricing is steep, but probably because they don't move enough volume to bring prices down. They've got some very cool stuff here, and it seems to be a gathering place of sorts for various groups in the Chicago area. It's worth checking out, especially in this day and age of Kindles and defunct Borders stores. Support your local bookstores, kids!!! read more

Finally a bookstore that can satisfy my hunger for spells and such. I am a practicing Wiccan of of course, and I love the realness of books. Not newer in the least, but used and really seasoned. I like that in a book, for it gives you a glimpse of being cared for by someone and that is a plus. The place has an old school feel and if you really pay attention you can find some rare books not currently in market. Love the high ceilings and the feel altogether. I remember that they use to be located some were else near here, but I could be wrong. read more

This place is so mysterious. Let me explain... Over the last year I've dropped by The Occult Bookstore on four separate occasions. The first was a Sunday (I don't recall the time) but I just happened to be walking by so I tried the door and found it open, only to immediately have someone shout "we're closed!" "Bad luck I guess? I'll make a point to come back some other time" I thought. The second was a Monday around 5, I was in the area and they were closed. I just figured: "My bad, I'll make a point to check the hours next time." The third time was a Sunday this winter and I was out running errands, made a note that I wanted to check it out and double checked their times. I got there at 5:40 only to find the door locked, no note, no nothing. Appears to have closed early. Who knows‽ No way to tell. So mysterious. And finally... today. This time I checked the website to confirm their hours before going. I then drove myself and my wife 20 minutes down to the area specifically for the visit and spent another 10 more minutes driving around in circles to park. Finally, we get a spot and walk up a few blocks to be greeted by a sign on the door that says 'We're Moving!' and lists a new address. However, there is nothing to indicate if the shop is open or closed today, and since plenty of shops announce moves on their doors in advance and stay open, we tried the door... And it's open! "Finally!" We then walked in. While there was some boxes and clutter, and the shop looked fully functional but no one was around. Noticing a bag check sign, I pause at the front to look for help. Suddenly a man and woman come running from the back clearly panicked and one says "we're moving!" Confused I paused, assuming they're saying to explain the mess? So I then said, "okay..." and step further in waiting for some signal of what to do and then finally the woman curtly says: "We're closed!" "Oh, okay. Sorry." I replied. My wife then chimed in: "Thats unfortunate, we keep trying to come here and you're always closed when we do!" "Well, you'll have to come check out our new space when it opens" the lady responded No apologies. No further engagement, we were just rushed out the door. Disappointed on the car ride home, my wife checked their website and sure enough, we didn't miss anything... they still have their hours posted and no notice of a move. From there we checked elsewhere: Apple Maps says they're open. Yelp says they're open. Google Maps says they're open. Facebook says they're open. But they're not. They're closed. How is anyone supposed to know? It's a mystery! But we definitely both got the impression that they were annoyed with us for trying to come in. Their sign does not say closed, their door is not locked, so, how is this our fault? Another mystery! Maybe if I already liked them on Facebook or subscribed to their mailing list, I would have known? But why would I have done that since I've never actually succeeded in visiting the shop? Mystery. Honestly I wouldn't be half as annoyed as I am right now if they had *at least* said "Sorry" but nope. I'm apparently the idiot for trying to support their shop. It doesn't feel good to try to visit a business only to be treated like a nuisance for trying to do so. Is it not safe to assuming a business's own website would say something like that? The fact that this business is closed to move and made seemingly zero effort to inform anyone who is not a regular doesn't bode well for it. And the way we were treated today definitely doesn't make me want to come back. How am I even supposed to know if and when they'll really be open? It's a mystery I've yet to solve, but I'm about ready to give up. read more

This place is my second home. It's amazing! A true and RARE independently owned business. The crystals/stones are gorgeous and have a powerful energy. Everything in the store is made by hand or crafted/guided/blessed by independent workers. The welcoming, cute owner told me about the crystals and he told me that they come from independent vendors who travel sometimes as far as Peru to bring back high vibrational energy stones. I was skeptical at first but, whoa, then I held some in my hands--the correct hand that he directed me to hold them in--and suddenly I was not in Chicago. I was in a different stratosphere! And they have rare books there from the 1800-1900s. No one else has these books. They're no long in print. I consider myself a highly logical person. At this store. All of my skepticism left. I run to this store when I need to escape the craziness of Chicago. They're a 100 year old business!!! Definitely go!!! read more

I really enjoyed this intimate little shop. I asked the lady behind the counter for specific type of books and she was very helpful and quite delightful to chat with . I bought 2 books and have really enjoyed them so far. Did I mention I was greeted by a shop dog and cat ? read more

Occult Bookstore - The sweetest little shop cat - Bookstores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Visited from out of town and loved looking around. The staff was very helpful and recommended some good books/cards for a gift. Even some friendly shop dogs to pet! Great vibe great place. read more

I was looking on Yelp to see what shops were in the area and was drawn by the photos of their cats. Browsing books and petting cats sounded like an ideal break from work. I discovered not only cute cats but also adorable dogs hanging out in the store that day. In case anyone reading this is scared of dogs, the dogs aren't always there so call ahead and you can time your visit accordingly. Now onto their wares. I picked up an essential oil spray during my first visit and began using it regularly for a month. I was so taken by the positive experience I had with it that today I returned to check out more of their blends. I'm grateful to have discovered their craftsmanship and have this charming store in the area. read more

The owners could totally drum up business if they'd start stealing chicken and rabbit carcasses from a gross Indian deli and then leave the bloody remains all around the neighborhood. This would scare people into thinking that a "dangerous cult" was operating out of the store, which would increase foot traffic from curious onlookers. This might also spur the police to begin wiretapping the store, and it might also result in a few oddball PETA vigilante types throwing bricks through the display window. So maybe they should just focus on excellent customer service. read more

I was in Chicago recently on business. When I travel I try to make a habit of visiting occult shops to get a feel for the witchy vibe of the city. Apparently this is the oldest occult store in North America (or so they claim? I can't be sure, I thought that label went to Laurie Cabot's in Salem, but I guess now that she's closed/closing it maybe these folks take the title?) which I suppose is alright. Since I'm not a local I can't speak to the culture that this place has floating around it, or to their array of workshops/guest speakers. I didn't see anything advertised when I was there. The second I entered, I was told I wasn't allowed to be on my phone (I was talking on my cell phone at the time; what can I say, I love to multitask). I raised my eyebrows and finished my conversation outside - if this wasn't my only hour long free time slot and my only plan after missioning to the opposite area of the city, I probs would have peaced out due to the not-chill-ness of the dude who told me to STFU. Anyway. Lucky for them I went in I guess? I feel like most places that would have been a deal-breaker for me. For some reason photos of the interior of this place are also not allowed, which pissed me off. Anyway - I was not super impressed with the overall selection at this place. Their stock was seriously diminished to the point of almost entire shelves being empty. There were some cute displays of devotional statuary (I am assuming someone at this shop works with the lwa?) and nice decorations on the walls. I did like the layout of the place, and they had a decent selection of jewelry and herbal shit for sale. Book selection - mostly used and in poor condition, but still somehow selling for full price? Very dusty, and not the best selection of titles. Lot of stuff from the 80s. Also they had books on non-occult topics, like computers and other random shit that I was like whaaa? But I did find a book that I'd been meaning to buy - a bit of an obscure rarity, something written by one of the founders of Blue Star Wicca. It was a pleasant surprise to find that here, and wish the other stuff on the shelves were as pleasant to encounter. The reason I would go back to this store (probably) and why I'm giving it three stars instead of two is because of their nonchalant rare book collection. To a discerning eye there are some very interesting things that they have for sale (and this is fetching in the thousands of dollars) - rare stuff that it is almost impossible to find in person, let alone sitting on a shelf at what is more or less a used bookstore. The clerk didn't know exactly what it was that they had, but they did know that it was worth something. The trip to this store was worth it to see that book in person alone. That this is the kind of place that encounters that kind of book and displays it nonchalantly behind the cash - not even in a glass box or anything, which probably would have been a better idea) makes me think this is an interesting spot to keep an eye on. read more

I find their book selection a little too heavy on the fluffy stuff, such as banal self-improvement books disguised as spiritualist and aimed at the vague new age type person, or astrology/tarot reductionism, but I have been able to find a few gems hidden here from time to time, such as John Michells CIty of Revelation and an Aryeh Kaplan book. But I have yet to see any Henry Corbin, Jocelyn Godwin, Rene Guenon, Julius Evola, Phillip Sherrard, David Fideler, Paul Foster Case or Leonora Leet to name a few. I guess I should state what is probably already obvious, and that is that I am a definite bookworm and have little to no interest in all of the "practical" stuff they sell, so if you are interested in that, you'll probably get a lot more out of the store. My main problem with the place is that it is called a bookstore, but books seem to be less than half of their business. It's not a bad place, and I probably wouldn't have found the John Michell book anywhere else in Chicago, but I don't feel compelled to check their stock very often. read more

The name of the Occult Bookstore is a bit misleading. I was expecting the Powell's of the occult world, something you'd find on Diagon Alley sandwiched between Olivander's Wand Shop and the Leakey Cauldron. Or at least stacks of books with Old Norse lettering emblazoned on the spine. Unfortunately, the book selection was disappointing. I was looking for something pretty basic--an encyclopedia or dictionary or overview of East Asian mythology--and the place was dry. I'm pretty sure the tiny public library in my oppressively Catholic suburban hometown has a better selection of occult books than this place. Rather, this particular Occult Bookstore seems like more of a meeting place and supply shop for local occult practitioners. There's a curtained-off area in the back, probably designated for card readings and such. The people who work there are really social and we wound up having an hour-long conversation about the Haitian Voudou exhibit currently at the Field Museum at the time. I plan to go back simply to chat them up. The hours posted to the website are incorrect--we arrived around noon only to find a handwritten note scribbled on the door saying they'd open at 2pm, so we wound up trekking back to the Loop to return at 7pm. read more

This is an eccentric store with an eccentric owner. Takes some getting used to. I give it 4 stars based on the variety of workshops and speakers they offer - for example Otter (Oberon) Zell, one of the greatest hippie shamans of our age and founder of the Church of All Worlds, did some workshops there this weekend. There aren't too many New Age bookstores left, so I hope this one does well. The Occult Bookstore has quite a history, in its different locations. read more

I visited the Occult Bookstore with a couple friends Fri night (for a witches Meetup) and was pleasantly surprised! I remember when they were in the Flat Iron building and boy did the store seem crowded and dark This new space is nice and spacious, with high ceilings and great atmosphere. Friendly customer service and big selection of books, amulets and gifts made this a nice experience. If you are looking for some magickal goods, check them out!! read more

I actually had a chance to there last night for a book promotion (The Hekataeon by Jack Grayle) and it's a really great place and very kind people running it. It's really cool that the store is over 100 years old (it definitely has the look and feel of it in a very great way). Lots of incredible old books on various subjects along with some incredible curios, candles etc... I picked up a few things including the book of the author that was speaking that evening. The book (The Hekataeon) is incredible and half the proceeds went to the store which is a wonderful gesture. I've known about the store for a long time but just never had the chance to go, I'm glad I finally did and will most definitely be back. read more

The books were a little old (which adds charm for most; I guess for me personally it reminds me of my gradnpa's endless library, which was full of archaic and out-dated books), BUT they had a marvelous selection, and beyond that, the people working there were SO nice and So helpful and SO interested in helping me find something perfectly customized to my needs and interests, I will definitely go back. They have classes coming up sometime soon, and as knowledgable as the staff seemed, I'd love to attend one. They had a lot of interesting items; personally I would have like to see more of that, but they are a BOOKstore, so BOOKS are the main focus here, as they should be. read more

I found this place on Atlas Obscura and was suuuuper excited to see it. I was visiting from Boston and was expecting something like Ritual Arts in Allston. Awful mistake! When you walk in it smells like incense and farts. There is nothing in here to look at, and what there is is either absurdly expensive or super uninteresting. Like I have no idea how this place makes money if all they sell is L. Ron Hubbard books and tiny $45 rocks (Also L. Ron Hubbard isn't occult - he us just cult...). They even had their Tarot decks (there were like 4 to choose from) in a glass case. Why?! I've never seen someone so protective of some tarot cards. There was nothing to see and it smelt awful so I left after like 5 minutes. Why is the place so popular? Like seriously, what the hell do they do? The only redeemable quality was the guy working there was really nice and not obstrusive. read more

I've found many rare books that I still treasure in my collection. Helpful staff, you will feel at home. You will not be disappointed!

As someone with little knowledge of the Occult and Spiritualism in general, I have to say my first visit was fantastic. I came in and simply explained that I wanted to know more and had no idea where to start. The owner promptly recommended texts relating to various areas of study and in doing so gave me ample options to sort through and decide upon for purchase. I felt no pressure from the owner to purchase anything, which was fantastic, and after deciding on a book on Chaos Magic I found myself very comfortable asking questions and conversing with the owner more. I will definitely be visiting again in the future! read more

More than just a bookstore, but a thriving community filled with people from all walks of life. The journey to to their shop is always a little more magical than anywhere else. The store its self seems to know what I'm looking for when I come in. I've been to a lot of metaphysical shops and the staff here are the most well educated. They're warm, welcoming, and meet everyone at their paradigm and offer guidance that has never steer'd me wrong. In terms of selection- Any crystal I've ever asked for has been in stock. They've got damn near everything.In the past they've even been willing to order me obscure books not commonly stocked. They've found literally any text I've thrown at them for years. It's also my go to place to herbs/spices/spell supplies. It's always nice to get some feedback from a seasoned witch before a big working. Overall, I love this store and it's people. It's more than a shop, it's a community and a resource for anyone digging deeper into this thing called life. read more

Good owners, very helpful staff! I had the chance to visit while in town a few months back and would recommend not just to folk interested in the subject matter but anyone who likes charming independent bookstores generally read more

This place was awesome! My husband and I went there to experience the place, and it was full of charm and information! There are books there on almost every religion, and they also have a wide array of different incense I would assume things for spells? I don't know anything about that kind of stuff, but I do know that it was a very interesting shop, and the staff there was SO nice! I picked up a book on "Santeria" and another on "Soul Upkeep." If you're looking to go and explore a new place, or are looking for a good read, go here! And the pricing was AWESOME!!!!!! For 2 humungous books I only paid $20. read more

I had a weird experience here. I went in to look at some books ( which were way overpriced). There was a man telling a woman how to cast spells to get the man she wanted. I left paying around $30 for books I should've ordered online. I did get a great yoga book though. I bought some nag champa and left. I don't think I will return. read more

This is the best OOT bookstore I have ever been to. the staff is amazingly helpful and attentive. They even have the cutest puppy working with them! His name is Buddy! Also, they do ask to check bags behind the counter. They do it for everyone. Even me, and I've gone here for a while. Also, no cellphone use in the store as it is disrespectful and disruptive of the energies around the various altars. All religions, races, orientations, ethnicities, creeds, ans identities are accepted here. They are also mindful of pronouns , slurs, and forms of appropriation. read more

This is not a store that I will ever visit again. Their book selection leaves much to be desired and there was not much else there. I wonder if the owner or employees cleanse the used book they get and put up for sale or if they allow the energies from the previous owners to linger. As a practicing Witch I was picking up on some extremely negative energies and feel the need to do some cleansing of my own when I get home to rid myself of it. Not a shop that I would recommend to anyone. read more

I read the previous yelp reviews before coming in and, I must say, encountered a totally different store from what some reviewers made it out to be. It was a large store with a wide selection. The owner, Louvel, greeted me and we chatted for a while. He was knowledgeable and sweet and...well... very sexy. A few of the previous reviews made it sound like a little hole in the wall with a few books. It's so much more! I, myself, love adding to my crystal collection, and they had them ALLLLL. Louvel also said that they can acquire anything you're looking for that they do not have in stock - even if you want it made from scratch. Great vibes! If I'm ever in Chicago again, I'll be sure to stop in. read more

This is the oldest occult book store in the world, having been around in Chicago longer than any other store, even in England. The staff is very knowledgeable, the selection of books is pretty good (and, if they don't have it they can order it). There are also rare books behind the counter, if you are looking for really scarce items. Rounding things out are such things as candles that are specially decorated and "worked" for particular goals. This is the store that was the template for the Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden series and has the classic look of an occult bookstore. Highly recommended. read more

Not an incredible book selection, and prices are a bit steep. Always get good service here and good vibes.

I would think of something positive to say about this place, but lying would probably give me bad karma or something. Its small, its dingy, and the staff I dealt with was pretty laughable. There's no sense wasting time here when you could buy books from Amazon at a much lower price and without the ordeal of incompetent salespeople. read more

I often frequent bookstores and other venues seeking rare, esoteric books. Maybe I caught them on a bad day but the book selection was rather pedestrian: used psychology books, some history books, but nothing especially useful or interesting. They have a small selection of candles and jewelry, and some herbs in jars behind the counter, such that you cannot easily browse, but must know what you are looking for so they can access it. I had hoped this store would be a better resource, and I may check back there again sometime, but it doesn't seem to vibe that well with me, nor have the things I am usually looking for. read more

The staff is friendly and informative, grat custom blended incenses but a little short on the newer books...

This store has excellent customer service. The environment is intriguing and piques one's curiosity. The owner made me feel at home. I was able to find information on religions of the African diaspora. Really recommend this historic store! read more

This place is GREAT. I found it completely by accident and walked out of there with a lovely quartz pendulum. The guy was super friendly and had very positive energy. I will be back soon :) read more

This place is the real deal. I bought a pendulum here. The clerk was informative and helpful, and he knew a lot about occult stuff. Also, there were spooky noises coming from the basement. read more

The book selection is off the chain, but the prices are wack, over priced. What would make this place a five is if they knocked a few bucks off these books. If money ain't an issue and you are interested in the occult or any type of fringe or metaphysical stuff this is the place for you. read more

I must be honest here when I write this review and it's from my heart mind you. My fondest memories of this place was when an elderly gentleman originally owned the Occult Bookstore and that still sticks. I guess we can not help but remember what this lovely store used to be to so many Chicagoans that remembered the original owner and how playful and eccentric and grumpy but witty he could be. I remember when this store was in the flat iron building which was more cozy and back then that store has some intense psychic readers I cherished. I also remember the old store having a rare collection of antique glass eyes pre world war II and other wonderful oddities as well as some wonderful books by Aleister Crowley. I can only give this new store three stars because I enjoy my visits if Biobe is there as I find him to be a very kind man who truly does care about the spirit of magic and faery beings. I was upset during my last visit because I just moved back to Chicago and wanted to walk with my dog from the W. loop to this location. I purchased what I wanted and the weather became even colder but I was NOT dressed correctly for the weather. I needed to wait at the store so I had to use my cell phone and attempt to find a cab company that would accept me and my large dog to go back home. One of the managers a young lady was quite curt with me and acted all put out about me and my dog needing to wait at the store for a cab as if we were criminals. Everyone at the store but this young lady really loved my dog and she received a lot of loving attention but I guess the new store owner has a policy against cell phone use and dogs in the store. I by no means wanted to create any issues so I left promptly and I have no real need to go back there at this time because I thought she was truly out of line since the weather was sub zero and I had just moved back from the city of Atlanta to Chicago and did not even know where most of my winter clothes had been packed. I had an emergency and this female manager (don't know her name) acted upset when clearly everyone else really loved the fact that my dog was there. I wanted to get a cab...it was freezing so I just left and have not returned to the store since because this manager ruined our shopping experience and made a scene in front of everyone so I was too embarrassed to even want to go back. If they get rid of her I think the store would do so much better to be honest with you but regardless this place is just not as artistic or cozy as it used to be. The original owner was a true bohemian and he had oddities a great tarot card selection and even cozy seats for you to sit down on in the store as you browse. This is not the case with this store it's not the same it's a pity. read more

Although I had a few friends that purchased items from this store & loved their experience, I had an unpleasant experience upon entering the store. I was asked to check my purse before shopping & the gentleman was rude/combative.I was expecting so much more from this bookstore prior to entering.Poor customer service. read more