So glad I went here, Johnny is the real deal. I read another reviewer say he tells you what you need to hear not what you want to hear, this is absolutely true. He cares about helping people and his honesty and advice/guidance was what I needed to realize some stupid mistakes I've made and changes needed for a better family life, health and better future. He confirmed things that surprised me and I'm thankful to finally have the answers I needed. read more

I came here to speak John and I must say every thing he said was so on point ! He gave me the advice that changed my life for the better ! One thing for sure John is going to tell u want u need to hear not what you want to hear . It's a difference " you must follow the advice and do the work in order to get the results. This business been here for 30 years and the vibes never change it's always positive and welcoming. read more

He was so on point and I know that is what other reviewers said. But he connected to my people's and told me what was up!

The best botanica! Everyone I have met here are Kind, respectful, knowledgable and they always have items in stock. The readings are so precise and the advise given keeps you going back for more as you see your personal results. I highly recommend! read more

Bad service. No value for customers, was hanged up on, I called back no answer. If I could leave a worse feedback I would !

Johnny has read me twice n he's always spot on. He knew specific things about my life. He never has tried to push any thing to purchase.He is very to the point n very gifted. I go often to different readers at least once a year n he's definitely the real deal. read more

John is AMAZING, I was hesitant at first but definitely worth it. He is very straight forward and honest. What he helped me with actually worked in less than 2 weeks. I recommend him to anyone, just call first before you go because he is very busy. read more

Cash Only. The shop owner was very knowledgeable, he gave me a free mini reading and told me something that I didn't know about my life. I am forever grateful! Downside, it is cash only and the nearest atm is 3 blocks away, and he doesn't have a return policy. So make sure whatever u purchase you are sure that's what you want to do. read more

The best reading, so in depth and accurate! You'll be in good hands with helpful advice and guidance. This is a good place!

I called this guy to get beads blessed, this mf NEVER mentioned having to pay on the phone but all of a sudden I'm the one in the wrong I just came to get my beads blessed (honestly in the bronx they bless them for free when you bring your own beads) but apparently he never said anything about paying to get the beads blessed then had the nerve to badmouth other botanicas and he called me shady... this guy can EAD read more

I love this place. The owner John is very respectful and understanding. I had a reading with John which was on point and I purchased a few items after. John and his workers are very knowledgeable and understands and respects diversity. John and his workers also understands the needs and wants of all their customers regardless of race or gender and loves to engage with a variety of individuals. So , if your looking for a great place to shop and meet some interesting people universal botanica is your place. read more

First and foremost I love this place ! Mr Aries had to check my spirt today lml love this powerful Team listen I would advise everyone to come and visit and get healed with the powerful Kings their products the energy pulls you in my daughter received a spiritual cleanser today to clear her path support spread the word read more

yes indeed I love this place , they are the most helpful well experienced knowledgeable incredible people that could help you with anything with the help of god . I tell you all if I were you I would highly recommend to come back or to visit and purchase candles,oils and more!! this place is nationwide baby , so don't worry if your unable to come in person, just make a phone call to this amazing Botanica store and they can also assist you over the phone better yet send out the products to your current location. so don't wait , make that call or go to there location #store where wishes and dreams do come true read more

Johnny is as real as it gets, in a world full of fakes you cant get anything as real as him. He is straight forward and tells you how it is whether you like it or not. Some may say he is harsh but he takes his skill serious not many do that now a days. If you want the real deal with no BS attached to it then this is where you need to be. You wont regret it, underneath his seriousness there's a genuine man who is sincere and kind and will do all he can to help anyone one out. He is the best out here in Brooklyn, his readings are unmatched and very accurate. Like I said if you want someone to baby you and tell you sweet things he isn't the one, now if you want the truth and how things are then he is your guy and the botanica has all your needs and wants. read more

Thank you Johnny for recommending the phone reading with Lydia. I enjoyed watching the both of you do live readings on Metro Access back in the day! I loved the reading and all questions were answered! I will definitely be booking more from the both of you. Will be dropping by to pick up the specialty candle and Ochun bath she recommended. You two are the best! God bless you both! read more

I had a reading, earlier, today, with Johnny, the store owner/psychic counselor. The reading was spot-on with what is currently going on in my life. Johnny listened to me and gave good advice. Now, it's up to me to make good use of that advice. read more

I go to Universal for all of my crystals and handmade jewelry. Their prices are always affordable and their customer service is top notch. Definitely suggest you stop by if you're in the Park Slope area, you will not be disappointed! read more

Great little local Park Slope Religious Article Shop. Friendly service, great service & prices. My aunt shops here all the time. John was even nice enough to go out of his way and give me a jump start for my truck. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED read more

Universal Botanica - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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I went in for a reading with Johnny at the suggestion of a friend. I've had readings before and only once before was I left speechless. That was until I had one with Johnny. He was on point with everything and helped me to see a solution that had eluded me. His advice worked and I'm in a much happier space. His energy is strong and very pleasant. The woman behind the counter was very nice as well, she also had great energy. There is A LOT in this Botanica. Anything you need, they have. I highly recommend this place. I live in The Bronx and I would have no problem taking the 2 trains to go back. read more

I stopped in today after a practitioner suggested I clean my house. I was delighted to find that they also sold crystals at a wonderful price points. The woman behind the register was so pleasant and the energy was lovely. I'm new on this journey and will definitely be returning here. I felt welcomed and got what I needed. read more

On 8/19/22 I visited Botanica Las Mercedes, a store located in Park Slope, Brooklyn. I know one of the gentleman who works at the aforementioned establishment, but that didn't help any. I need it to purchase a few items, hence the visit to the store. The gentleman working behind the counter, in more than one ocassion refered to me utilizing male pronouns ( I am a trangender woman) I attempted to correct the person with a simple sentence - if you are sure of a persons gender just ask "what pronouns would you like me to use when addressing you" simple as taking a walk. An argument ensued with said person which become argumentative - at one point he said to the owner " you take care of this I don't need to deal with this." The customer is not always right, but to present as a female and have a gay man (he said he is gay) a member of my own community address me as a male in more than one occasssion after been corrected is sad and absolutely transphobic. At the end of the argument the employee nor the owner offered a simple apology - I advice the owner I would never shop at his store nor would i recommended to anyone. If you are a transgender person in need of religious articles (candle, incense, crystals) do not shop at this establishment as said employee is clearly transphobic. read more

Bought some white sage and white soap with flower petals in it. Juan was very engaging and hospitable and provided welcoming insight.

I'm convinced that all of these other readings are FAKE $65 really!?! For a 2 min useless reading. He tells you absolutely NOTHING! A bunch of bogus BS! He pushes you to purchase (baths, candles, etc) after the reading is done. If you don't want to buy everything that he suggest, he gets really aggressive and agitated. The whole experience is rushed. He isn't a nice person and, I left the store feeling horrible. read more

Universal Botanica is the best Botanica that I've ever been to I've been going there for like five years now maybe longer and John has never failed me John is very good with reading people and he also gives you everything you need if he doesn't overcharge he is the best support universal Botanica if you want a good reading read more

I recently bought a chango macho candle to wish my friends buena suerte on their engagement and BOOM their name rose to the top of an affordable housing lottery and now I'm stuck in Brooklyn like a chump while they're in a Chelsea 2br necking in the glow the Empire State Building. My advice? Buy a candle, keep it for yourself -- these things WORK read more

I'm here right now my reading was amazing and spot on. He has amazing prices and a lot of stuff. Any spiritual/religious need you have, can be fulfilled at this store!! Just read someone said the store was closed and it's definitely not, its open Monday-Saturday from 10am-6pm. The number is (718) 832-3606 I definitely recommend you go here for your readings, candles, herbs, baths and any spiritual need you may have-they can help!! read more

Very helpful. Johnny was on point. Store has a variety of spiritual candles, oils, soaps, statues, etc

Johnny is a gifted reader, I highly recommend. The messages are what you need to hear, not what your ego wants to hear. Straight, to the point and clear. read more

This botanica is one of the only religious stores in the park slope area. John does the best physic reading in the area. He sells almost everything you will need to improve your spiritual life and well being read more

John's reading are spot on. Brought friends and family and all happy with their readings. Highly recommend. A lot of clarity and overall nice guy read more

I've been here on and off over the years for candles and herbs. Last fall I found myself in a serious life challenge and decided to get a reading done. It was one of the most illuminating things I've ever taken part in in my life. John is an unusually gifted reader and his reading allowed me an understanding of my situation which I could not have come to on my own. Extraordinary. read more

I absolutely LOVE this place. Filled with great, positive vibes, the Universal Botanica is a sweet spot to get candles, herbs, crystals, and general advice on how to maintain a good spiritual balance in your life. Also, if you have a little extra time, be sure to schedule a reading with the owner. He rules. read more

I recommend this place highly. Johnny is very accurate with his readings and never over charges. They carry a wide variety of herbs, oils, crystals, statues, soaps, insenses... everything you can think of. read more

Though my beliefs about religion were very shaky, the staff here helped me and my beliefs. I have strong faith in the advice and help the staff gave me. When you walk in you are greeted nicely. You get treated with nothing but respect. They give you the right advice you need, and are brutally honest. They tell you everything you need to know. I can also agree that they try their hardest with helping you. When you're looking for answers they're the right person to turn to. When you need something done religiously they're the right person to run to. I will be returning here soon. In my perspective I feel very comfortable with the staff and their answers. I'm very confident in saying I won't be attending any other botanical stores besides The Universal Botanica. It's located in a great area in Park Slope Brooklyn ,New York. Once you leave here you won't be disappointed! I absolutely love this place! read more

I highly recommend this establishment. The staff was polite and well educated on the products. Great find in Park Slope. The owner was pleasant and made sure we walked away happy. read more

The place is well stocked with a great energy. Johnny's readings are accurate and on point. He was able to tell me exactly what I came there for without me having to say a word. The details and insight he gave for my particular situations were uncanny, also he tells you what you need to hear not what you want to hear. read more

Came all the way from San Francisco cus I heard all the greatest Santeria readings were in NY. With my overly friendly west coast attitude, I brought my skepticism along with me into this botanica. I was highly referred to Johnny so I was excited, but tried hard not to show it. Needless to say, I attempted a poker face but not even midway through the reading, I cracked due to the jaw dropping accuracy of Johnny's reading. The only question he asked me was my name and everything he mentioned would never pertain to anyone else. He gets detailed. Almost scary, but impressively detailed. He gave me clarity on the position I was at in my life and even answered questions I didn't know I had. Admittedly, I thought he would've come out the back room looking like a male Erykah Badu in all his spiritualness, but Johnny is a normal person who wears street clothes and his Brooklyn New Yorker attitude. He's down to earth, super sarcastic, and as raw as they come! A couple of times I thought he was rude but he's just straight forward and not with the nonsense. Don't come here looking for cherries and sprinkles cus Johnny tells it like meat and potatoes. One of the most (third) eye opening experiences in my life. Hope to see him again! read more

Johnnys Universal Botanica has been great from the first day I stepped in 2008. The staff is knowledgeable and when unsure they have always consulted with one another. The ambiance is positive and friendly which lets me find what I need exactly. They are willing to listen to what my intentions/list is as to what I are looking for and will recommend and provide advice with no pressure. This helps me feel more confident into making the appropriate decisions and I always leave satisfied with what I purchased. Johnnys products are great quality and readings are accurate. Even if they do not have something, they will go out of their way to find out when it will be ordered or they will make note of it and order it for you. They are honest and provide an alternative avenue to find what they may not be able to obtain, but in most cases this is rare because they make an effort to have in stock whatever I need. I have witness instances they do the same in part for other customers that walk in through the door. Every time I step in I find great additions ordered in and have been satisfied that I came across it. There is cultural diversity found throughout their stock and customers that walk through the door. The botanica strives to serve individuals from different spiritual beliefs and helps expose you to some you didn't consider or were not known to you in an open and friendly manner. You can see that this wonderful store serves a diverse population and have embraced the neighborhood and its roots. I highly recommend anyone to stop by and visit. Its great to have a botanica like this in the Brooklyn community! read more

Quite skeptical at first, but after my reading I gained a sense of direction on the path I need to take. The reading gave me ease of mind! Trust and highly recommended. read more

I reccomend this botanica highly. John is a gifted reader and the products in his store is if high quality. I was impressed. I am definitely going back to see him. Check him out you won't be disappointed. read more