I'm not a big believer in the supernatural. I don't get my tarot cards read, try to interpret my dreams, carry magical crystals, or burn essential oils. I do believe that Madonna should stop wearing that red string around her wrist and calling herself Esther, but that's another article.
As you can imagine, the thought of spending an afternoon at Harry's Occult Shop left me less than thrilled. I expected to find myself surrounded by teenage girls dressed like extras from The Craft, aging hippies sporting dreads and talismans, and other stereotypical believers in the power of the mystical.
For 86 years, Harry's Occult Shop has been serving the superstitious and religious among us, peddling wares as diverse as crystal balls, bibles, candles, roots, herbs, jewelry and - most frighteningly - a large black tome entitled "The Book of Shadows." According to Ms. Finnegan, the staff at Harry's aims "to teach people how to make changes in their lives through being aware of negativity."
I'm not sure why these teachings must involve canisters of ravens' blood and Jinx Removing Incense, but judging from the long line of anxious customers at the front counter, Marcia Finnegan and co. are doing something right. The shop was more crowded than the Main Line Lilly Pulitzer warehouse sale last spring, but with fewer blonde housewives.
While a visit to Harry's didn't make a believer out of me, it's difficult to fault Marcia and her staff, who genuinely aim to help their customers live happier lives. For instance, handwritten signs posted throughout the store announce the next full moon for the benefit of horoscope obsessors (December 8th, 3:37pm, Gemini, by the way). Peace and Protection oils are all hand-packaged on the premises during the waxing of the moon, and, in the spirit of crime-infested Philly, Harry's offers a Court Case Ritual potion set for the next time you get arrested.
