Esoterica Occult Goods could probably not exist in any other city in the United States. Tucked away behind an unassuming doorway in the French Quarter on Dauphine Street, just off of Chartres Street, Esoterica is an incredible place. From top to bottom, the shop is crammed with all manner of interesting occult goods. There are flashier and more tourist-oriented voodoo shops elsewhere in the French Quarter, but Esoterica gives a more authentic feel.

The store offers a great selection of merchandise from a variety of occult traditions. A large portion of the emphasis is on voodoo, but items from Wicca and many other paths are featured as well. The store is a great favorite of locals and tourists alike. Locals stop in for potion ingredients or dressed candles, while tourists enjoy the novelty that the shop provides.

Many already prepared talismans, potions and charms are available for sale. Each bears a tag describing its particular function and important instructions for use. You can also purchase books on any number of magickal topics, Tarot cards, and even a small selection of knives and swords as well as gothic-style clothes.

A particularly nice feature of the store is the wide selection of herbs and oils. The staff can 'dress' a candle for you, which involves anointing it with various ingredients and casting a spell on it. You will then be given instructions as to when and how to burn the candle in order to achieve the desired results.

Another personalized option is a gris gris bag. Gris gris are small talismans that are worn or carried to bring good luck and ward off evil. Present day gris gris consist of small bags, often bearing the wearer’s name or magickal name in runes, that are filled with a variety of herbs and stones and on which a spell is cast.

Finally, you could request a prepared potion. The staff will mix a variety of essential oils to create just the right blend for your needs. Again, a spell is cast on the potion and you will be given instructions for its use.

If you prefer to do your own spell work, you may purchase undressed candles in a variety of colors and styles, each of which is best for a particular category of spell. You can buy herbs and oils as well, either in bulk or little bits at a time, again depending on your needs. Don’t forget to pick up a smudge stick, which is a batch of sage. Burn the sage to ward off evil in your living quarters.

The Esoterica staff happily dispenses advice along with ingredients. You will probably be asked what you want the item for, and you can then settle in for a pleasant conversation about the uses and dangers of the item, things to look for, alternative spells that might also work, and so forth.

The feel is very much that of purchasing screws or bolts from your friendly neighborhood hardware store, until you stop to realize that the items in question are potions and spellwork tools. In New Orleans, the occult is readily accepted and an occult goods store is truly just another friendly corner shop.

If you are so inclined, Esoterica also offers the services of a master psychic and Tarot reader at all times. Stop in to look around, stay for a palm reading, and perhaps purchase a protective talisman while you are there. It’s all in a day’s work for the friendly staff at Esoterica Occult Goods.

Posted by Lisa.

Lisa is the editor of Quality Dating Resources.