Travelling around the country on my book tour gave me an opportunity to explore some of our lovely Pagan shops. So I'm starting a new feature; once a week or so, I will profile a new shop for your perusal.
Gaia Rising is located in the heart of beautiful downtown Nelson, BC; a pretty town in the Kootenays with heritage homes that hearken back to Victorian times, vast and amazing scenery, and a large and prestigious arts college. Needless to say, metaphysically oriented people are attracted to this area in droves, so finding ways to meet "our peeps" is not difficult!
While there are many shops in Nelson that appeal to the Pagan aesthetic, Gaia Rising is the only true metaphysical store in Nelson and the only place you'll find Pagan ritual items and books. Metaphysical stores all over the province appear to be struggling and closing, but it was obvious to me that business at Gaia Rising was booming. They had everything: witch and ceremonial magick books I haven’t seen in years, crystals, a fine selection of Tarot cards, drums, decor, calendars, witch balls; no shortage! It was busy the whole time I was there and the community was happy to come out and support a Pagan writer!
The owners were pleasant and helpful; Vern is the gentleman of the couple and he was friendly and obviously knew his customers well. I have some friends and family in Nelson and area and he knew them all by name and greeted them with good cheer when they came in; right up to and including my goddess-daughter's active toddler.
The couple are not Pagan themselves, nor do they offer classes, but they're happy to network for the community. If you want to know what's going on in town, they are the place to find out!
They also run a body piercing business at the shop called "Bee Kissed," and they provide an excellent selection of body jewelry for sale.
They also accept orders at their website, which you can find here. And if you'd like to see a gallery of pictures, check out the entry on my personal blog (Book Tour Week 1).
* Personal aside: I am now offering an online course in the Witch's Eight Paths of Power. Here's the link if you're interested.