A shop specialising in the mystical and spiritual has opened in Westminster Arcade, Harrogate.
Mystical Ways is owned by Harrogate-born Jay Clarke, who is also a full-time manager at The Crest care home on Rutland Drive.
He said his passion for the occult led him to opening his new business, which could be the only venue in Harrogate to have a pentagram on the window.
According to Jay, there’s a growing community of witches, druids and pagans in Harrogate and Knaresborough.
But rather than being something to fear, he says modern witchcraft, or Wicca, has more positive connotations in the 21st century.
For sale are dreamcatchers to “ward off nightmares”, crystals that can summon “good energy” and insense which can help cast spells that attract “money, love, protection or light”.
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Jay said lockdown has led to more people turning to the occult and witchcraft to find answers and help them through a tough year.
And he doesn’t mind the skeptics who say it’s all made up.
“There is criticism, people find it funny but paganism is a real thing. People get comfort from looking at tarot cards or meditating. If that gives people good intentions then why not? It’s no different to going to church and praying.”
Once social distancing rules are relaxed, Mystical Ways will partner with Westminster Arcade neighbours, Harrogate Tea Rooms, to host tarot card readings.
Jay says a recent tarot reading told him that the covid crisis will begin to disappear by Easter.
“The cards say 2021 will begin by being a struggle, but by Easter things will be much better. They also told me to continue to be dedicated and strong and bring Wicca to Harrogate.”