There are many things to love about living in a quirky sea-side New England town. When that quirky seaside New England town is Salem, Massachusetts there are even more reasons to love it. I think that this will be the first in a series of posts that I am calling, “Things I love about Salem.” This series could rightly be a blog all on its own. However, we will start here.

It is no secret that Salem has the infamous witchcraft trials as a stain on its past. The blood let by fear and hysteria in Salem’s past will forever serve as a lesson against rash judgments and religious intolerance. (Although, in truth, it was more the former.) In more recent times those lessons have made Salem one of the most diverse and eclectic places one can find. It is also no secret that Salem has drawn many people who practice magick (the “K” is used to distinguish it from “slight of hand” or “stage magic”) of all varieties. And, that population helps to make Salem the wonderfully unique place it is.
(I have tried to included weblinks to each of the locations. And, to be clear, I am not endorsing or favoring and particular shop over another. Every one of them is part of the Salem landscape and adds a certain flavor to the city. )

There are not many cities where the modern witch can get all of his or her shopping done in such short order. All of the following are within walking distance of one another, which makes it pedestrian friendly and terribly convenient! Let’s go for a walk together.

People who practice the magickal arts are often in need of herbs for spell work, teas, tinctures, and salves. There is no better place to procure them than at Artemesia Botanicals. They carry over 400 herbs, more than 100 teas, flower essences and essential oils. If you are not sure how to get started they have classes to walk you through it!

After we have purchased the herbs we need, we exit the shop and turn left down Hawthorne Blvd to Derby Street and make another left. On our left we see, Pyramid Books. Although most of the shops that cater to the Magickal community in Salem carry books, Pyramid Books carries books for the beginner and the seasoned practitioner alike. Want to know how to get started in High Magick? Maybe you want to start learning about Astrology, Reiki healing, or astral projection. Whether it’s a book by Elphias Levi or Silver Ravenwolf – they probably have it. And if they don’t, they will get it for you.

After we have picked up a book or two, we exit the bookstore to head across the street to Pickering Wharf where we can stop into Enchanted, the shop owned by Laurie Cabot, the Official Witch of Salem for statues, candles, incense, books, or jewelry, or maybe take a class or get a reading!

Around the corner is The Cauldron Black which organizes an annual symposium for the magickal community called the Salem Summer Symposium, drawing speakers and participants from all over.

Or, spend some time at The Witchery for hands on arts and crafts!

Do you need a wand? Why not go to Wynott’s Wands on Essex Street for excellent handcrafted wands.

Do you need a crystal? Or perhaps an apotropaic charm made from silver? There is no better place than The Village Silversmith.

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Then there is Salem’s oldest witch shop, Crow Haven Corner.

Crow Haven Corner

Omen offers a wide array of products and services.

Make a stop into the family run the Coven’s Cottage to instantly feel like you have been transported to a warm, welcoming, magickally comfortable place. In their own words, “The Coven’s Cottage is a family owned and operated witchcraft shop located in historic downtown Salem, Ma. While we focus on the Norse, Germanic, Celtic and nature-based traditions, we offer products for many different pagan paths.” 

 Then there is the bright and airy Haus Witch.

If you are feeling a little darker, stop into Hex.

And there you have it! All of these places cater to tourists and locals alike. I am sure there is more to say and more to discover, and perhaps I’ll even add to this over time. If I inadvertently left anyone out, then I am sorry.
But, for now, this is the first entry into my new Salem series of posts on this historic, quirky, and welcoming city! Each post will focus on different aspects of Salem that make it unique.