Are you interested in tarot readings? Enjoy using crystals? Or perhaps just want to try a mystical new hobby this October? Well, you are in luck, because Norwich has a thriving community of like-minded spiritual individuals. Throughout the city there are numerous shops that cater to such interests, and I decided to take a walk across Norwich to explore them. 

Firstly, I stopped by Sixth Sense in what may be considered the beating heart of the city – Norwich Market. Despite many of the stalls in the market being closed, Sixth Sense had a small queue – which is quite noteworthy for a Monday afternoon! This little stall sells all sorts, including crystals, dream catchers and burning herbs, as well as plenty of gorgeous decorations; whilst I was there I couldn’t help but buy some tarot bunting. Perhaps most abundant is their selection of incense which is very well priced  

Next to the market can be found Angel’s Crystals, which sells, unsurprisingly, crystals. If the language of crystals feels a bit intimidating, don’t worry because each crystal has a small explanation of its purpose, and plenty of guide-books are available to buy too.  

The next shop I wandered to was Innanna’s Festival, a small store near Cosy Club. Unfortunately, I visited at the wrong time, as it is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays! Luckily, I had been before, and seen the shelves that were stacked high with all sorts of esoteric goods, from coloured candles to Pagan art to pretty much all other items that might be useful for the modern witch. This store also offers tarot readings. 

After that I wandered past Jarrolds towards Head in the Clouds, which is a relatively popular shop amongst students. Much like Sixth Sense and Innanna’s festival, incense, candles and tarot cards can be bought here – however it focuses less specifically on spiritual culture and more broadly on what might be called the ‘hippie’ lifestyle. Alongside these things they sell a lot of clothes and decorations, and are the oldest headshop in the UK. They offer a wide array of specialist lifestyle paraphernalia – I remember once even seeing a Bart Simpson shaped bong there. 

I then headed westwards down one of my favourite places in Norwich – St. Benedict’s Street. I stopped in front of Hocus Pocus Apothecary, a relatively new store. Unfortunately, like Innanna’s Festival, it is closed on Mondays. The two stores are similar in terms of what they sell, however Hocus Pocus Apothecary might be slightly more accessible to those who are new to the world of arcane arts. This store offers tarot readings, however it also offers a variety of other spiritual experiences, such as crystal healing therapy and palm reading.  

The final store I had planned to go to was perhaps the most out of the way, beyond Tombland and the Cathedral on Magdalen Street. Walking along here made me realise just how much of a shame it was that I haven’t explored this area before, as it was absolutely crowded with unique and intriguing shops that I had never heard of. I recommend having a gander around Magdalen Street if you can – and make sure to check out Positive Faith Hope Love whilst you’re there. The shop sells a variety of books, decks of cards and other spiritual items, but focuses mainly on crystals and bookable tarot readings.  

Whilst I was there, I spoke to the owner about what witchcraft and esotericism is like in Norwich. She described how the spiritual culture here is vibrant: that there is a real sense of community in Norwich, and everyone that is a part of it is incredibly friendly and welcoming. After having such a lovely day, and a lovely conversation, I have to completely and utterly agree.