Very nice welcoming staff very helpful. They answer questions and provide suggestions.

I was on my way to Alchemy Arts and was crossing the busy intersection at Broadway when I saw a black cat very close to the road, so I pulled over to try and move her to a safer spot. I noticed the cat did not have a collar on and decided to quickly take her to the nearest vet to get scanned for a chip. Luckily, the cat did have a chip and the owner was notified. The vet told me the owner did not seem concerned and said the cat was an outdoor cat, but that they would come pick her up from the office. I was told I had to stay with the cat until the owner arrived. I waited at the vet's office for over an hour with the cat, and the owner arrived just minutes before the office closed. I explained to the owner that the cat was in the intersection and at risk of being hit, so I thought it was the right thing to do to get her scanned for a chip and try to contact the owner. The owner immediately became defensive and said, "Well she's an outdoor cat. She goes by the trees." I again explained that she was not by the trees, but instead right next to the intersection and at risk of being hurt or killed. The owner rolled her eyes at me and left with her cat. I later realized that the owner of this cat is one of the owners of Alchemy Arts, her name is Dayna. It's incredibly irresponsible to let your cat roam freely outside next to such a busy intersection. After further digging, it also appears that Marie the cat was attacked by a dog while roaming outside in 2025 and has gone missing for days before -- further evidence that this cat should not be outdoors for her own safety. read more

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The store itself is cool. They have a cat that free roams around the store (such as sweet cat!). I walked in at the same time as a mom with a carriage so it took her a moment to get through the door. In this time, the cat got outside and immediately came back in. The store runners were clearly annoyed with us for "letting the cat out" (we didn't even see her until she was outside). I tried to let them know their cat was still by the front door and they told me "just don't let her out." It's a store. The door will be open for more than 10 seconds here and there. Keep your cat somewhere safe. read more

They have a good selection, a cool Anubis statue, and a cute kitty. When I find myself on this side of the city, I like to pop in- even if it's just for incense. read more

Good vibes in here and an awesome cat. Dana was super cool and helpful and even hooked it up with a free crystal after a nice conversation. I got everything I was looking for and enjoyed reading all the handwritten labels around the shop. Will be back for sure! read more

When I lived in Chicago I would come here for all my alchemy needs. When I visit I still return. great things inside.

Fantastic store I've frequented since circa 2010. A great selection of witchy items including figure candles, oils made in house, herbs and interesting books. Better than visiting a botanica. They have Santeria stuff. No scams here. The gentleman I believe he's the owner is very kind and helpful. read more

I always have a positive experience here. I've been a customer for years. I like getting my crystals, incense, candles, pendulums and then some. I used to be able to walk there beforeI moved, but now it isn't as easy to get there. Now I have to plan for my trips there, but it's worth it. read more

There are only a hand full of new age and occult bookstores in the city and this is one of the best. I would often stop in here after work since it was on my walk from the L station. The service is friendly and knowledgeable. If you're expecting to find the same Vibe as the bookstore in The Craft, that's not here. I never leave empty handed. Their selection of incense and oils are great and they have a wonderful selection of new and used books. read more

Delightful space with so many useful oils and literature. Excellent customer service.

I enjoy coming here for the incense and the store cat. It's primarily for people interested in occult stuff, which I really don't care about that much, but it's still worth a visit! Contrary to other reviewers, I actually enjoy not having staff constantly talking to me and checking in on me. I like to browse in silence, so if you feel the same, then you won't have a problem. Definitely a quirky place, but you'll enjoy your experience! read more

Overpriced. A lot of the jewelry breaks. Low in stock. Ken and the employees are kind of rude. read more

The service is absolutely amazing, great listening ears for any problem you may find along your journey. They offer a variety of products and know what they're talking about. I came specifically here even though its a 1.5 hour commute from me, simply because of the customer service I received my last visit. read more

I was excited to see a metaphysical shop a few blocks from my new apartment. Unfortunately, they are way overpriced. They had some interesting pieces but nothing was correctly valued. I'm hoping they may be recovering from the pandemic and will revise pricing. I'll give another try in a few months but if they don't adjust prices I won't be back. read more

What do you think of when one mentions the 'occult' or the 'metaphysical'? Do you think of the last scary movie you watched? Perhaps of demons and magick? That's not the complete picture/reality and there is so much to this world--or the other world, shall we say. If you are looking for a shop to meet your spiritual needs, Alchemy Arts is here to help. Follow me and let me introduce you to Alchemy Arts... Alchemy Arts is located on Bryn Mawr near the intersection of North Broadway, conveniently by the Bryn Mawr red line stop and has held this real estate location for 17 years. Catering to Wiccans, Reiki enthusiasts, occultists, spiritualists, and herbalists; Alchemy Arts is a metaphysical stomping ground. The store isn't overly large but certainly has a lot to offer. What can you find at Alchemy Arts? Gem/stones, candles, pendulums, animal guide tokens, journals, jewelry, statues, skulls, books, incense, and small kick knacks. Granted, the selection in each category is limited but the overall span of offerings is eclectic. Despite a small selection of goods, there is also an apothecary of sorts. Offering various herbs, powders, tinctures, and oils; patrons can find just about anything they need for everyday or special use hand-mixed and compounded at Alchemy Arts. Customer service at Alchemy Arts was slightly lacking. We were never welcomed to the store and there was almost of an air of silence and restriction (comparable to a library) which I didn't find comforting. However, when we asked questions, the male employee (I think he is the owner) was knowledgeable and direct. The best part? There is a shop black cat!! Lucy is darling and basically owns the joint, happily climbing shelves and begging for love and attention -- on her terms, of course. Love this cat! Alchemy Arts also features workshops/events such as speakers, book signings, and classes (for example: how to turn herbs into tinctures at home). They offer a calendar of events on their website alongside blogs. I will say this: Alchemy Arts claims on the site to be the "most comprehensive occult store" in the universe. Um... that's largely exaggerating, a blanket statement, and filled with conceit but nice try. Overall, Alchemy Arts is a bit small, comes off as somewhat elitist, and somewhat narrow in its offerings but yet is satisfying-enough and interesting to look around in. It's definitely worth a visit if you are into metaphysics/spirituality. If nothing else, just go for Lucy. read more

I can't believe people gave this store bad reviews just over having anti semitic books. I forget we live in a time where everyone gets offended about anything and everything. If you don't like something, just move past it. The same way you may or not pick up a book on Satanism. I love this store. There's not many new age stores around anymore. It's nice to be able to go buy my supplies and materials in the city I live in. The owner is always nice and helpful. If you need something he orders it for you. Go check it out yourself and if you don't like something move past it. No need to share your political views or be offended on a Yelp review. read more

Bad vibes. I spent about 10 minutes inside, making eye contact with employees and trying to get help from anyone before I realized they didn't care. Multiple employees walked past me without interacting at all and not a single person in the place (I counted at least 5) was masked, which makes me worry about their COVID safety. read more

12/10 would recommend! UPDATE: PRODUCTS I LOVE FROM ALCHEMY ARTS --amazing talismans for each ancient planet, I was wearing the Mercury one when I completed an enormous amount of important creative work! --fabulous homemade (propriety recipe!) oil --working candles to protect BLM protestors, we even discussed which would be best over the phone, and I was so impressed by the staff (Amara's, I believe) expertise. --incredible incense that make awesome offerings PAST: I called ahead about coming in *just* to ask a question and browse, and I was pleasantly shocked at the amazing customer service (knowing I'm broke!!), the reasonable prices, and the varied selection of everything a Wiccan needs. Can't wait to buy everything next time! read more

I love the vibe of this place. So peaceful and serene. I'm always making excuses to stop in, just to step away from the world for a bit. The folks here are very helpful in all matters. Now that I'm posting, I do need some more aromatic oils and candles. read more

Wow. What a beautiful shop ! The merchandise were well organized and staff were friendly and knowledgeable. I'll post pics the next time I visit. read more

On a warm spring day in May, 2004, while staying at some friends' apartment, I wandered into this store that drew my attention immediately because of its name. Being a practitioner of the High Arts since I was a kid living in the Dominican Republic, I was, needless to say, drawn to the images of Tibetan gods and large crystals and dream catchers on the window display. Lo and behold once I stepped in, and I can remember it to this day because I was as NOT having a good day (my hosts were less than hospitable and I was hours away from checking out and checking into a Marriott on the Mile), this place hooked me. From the deep rose and jasmine incense drifting out onto the street, the soft melodies from an exotic land, and the friendliness of the two men whom o believe are the owners of the spot I was welcomed. I didn't buy too much--just a couple of items for meditation and a book by Catherine Yronwoode I still own about Hoodoo--but it felt just right. I can't describe it. I felt at peace. Cue the advance of years and I have been an avid purchaser of oils, candles, and incense, and a business trip brings me back to Chicago. I decide to pay the place a visit and purchase some items for a couple of friends interested in stones. Reader and prospective client, their stones are ridiculously accessible--quartz for barely 2$, amethyst for about the same (and anyone who purchases stones knows that amethysts are pricey). Their raw rose quartz was and is to die for, and the incense? All the brands you want (except Fred Soll--i didn't see any, but since I'm staying at a hotel I can't smudge my room or I'll set the fire alarms off and that is something I don't need. I could just imagine me lighting up a dragons blood or copal stick and the moment the tendrils of smoke get captured by the smoke detector, all hell breaks loose. Cue to me whimpering as security rushes in and finds my room reeking of musk. "B-but all I wanted was to MEDITATE!" Yeah, no. Alchemy Arts is the premier store for anyone seeking items of "the occult". All beliefs and practices are welcome and you will feel comfortable just walking in. Small baskets are at the ready for you to place your items, and unless you ask, you're left basically to your own self to seek whatever it is you need--candles, imagery, statues, books, stones, or incense. Nothing-- not a thing--has changed which I love. It felt as though I walked through a time portal. The same music, the same sense of quietude, the same charm. It's great to know these alternative bookstores exist in the world. Go take a look see. You may be surprised by what you find. read more

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I haven't been here for ages because I left Chicago for other cities to travel; but I will make every effort now to come back here more often! Last night I went online and viewed their website and YES I was delighted to find out that they carry Coventry Creations candles, magnetic sand, dark amber oil and just about every herb you could want and need for spell magic. Ken has always been eager to assist his customers and today was no exception. There is an uplifting and welcoming vibe here. No one here is pushy either meaning you can just take your time and sieve through their large selection of magical books and spend quality time here whether you are seeking runes, tarot cards, books or spell candles. The items here are reasonably priced and attractively laid out. I'll definitely make a point of visiting this playful occult shop more frequently! read more

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Yelp really doesn't want me to post this but, I've been shopping at Alchemy Arts since I was about 14. 16 years later, I still can't find a better shop. Ken has always been patient with my questions and I love to introduce my friends to his shop. I've been to all the other "Occult" and "New Age" stores in Chicago, but never have I found it's equal. Ken doesn't try to tell his customers that they "need" anything... he encourages research and will help you get anything that you want or feel that you need. Ken isn't a salesman at all... just a friendly purveyor of all that is "other". This is a copy of a previous review that yelp's all knowing software didn't trust enough to put in the recommended reviews. I love being told by a robot that I'm not human. read more

Alchemy Arts - Chicago Occult Studies Group - Spiritual Shop Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The best. Gentle. Knowledgeable. Spent $158 first thing on a Sunday morn and was very happy. Blessings !

This place is well stocked with everything you need and the texts to help you better understand what you are doing and why. So much stigma behind medicine that is not modern or supported by Christianity but many of these beliefs are older than that. They have stood the test of time. Stop in, take a look and ask for guidance. The people there are friendly and helpful. read more

The rating is for the mask mandate violation, creating an unsafe environment. At the beginning of the pandemic, the place had a sign in the front saying "don't be a plague rat, wear a mask" or something. Their information online talks about masks being required. There were at least 5 employees in the front when I visited the other day and none of them were wearing masks. Every customer was. The man working the register was hacking up a lung. Definitely sick. It's really disappointing, and I wished I had seen someone online indicate that masks aren't being used so I could make the informed choice. I do hope that guy is feeling better and doesn't get anyone else sick. read more

They really have everything and one of the most inclusive metaphysical shops I've ever seen. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly and truly appreciate your business. You can order online to avoid waiting in line to get inside (thanks COVID), but it's so much more fun to be in the shop and breathe in the great energy. read more

I was a bit curious about this shop when I browsed its online inventory but was visiting the Andersonville area so thought I would duck in for some incense. They have a huge selection for the size of the space. I was very impressed with the gentleman behind the counter. He was kind and patient with the people coming in and out. I was there for a while and looked over their large book selection and other sundry items. They have some very unique and rare books - which always is something I check out in any bookstore. Of course theirs are more of a certain esoteric vein than most. I noticed some reviewers reported seeing anti-Semitic books in the store. I was concerned about this as well; however I did not notice any while there and looking at their selection. I ended up leaving with some great books and some better conversation. I would highly recommend a visit to this very quirky and unusually shop. read more

I absolutely love this place. Fell more in love with it today. I came inside in much distress and was beyond helped and guided. They also don't try to over sell you or force things on to you which is a bonus! If they feel you don't need something or can do without it, they'll let you know. Even will help with substitutes. They tell you and give you exactly what you need. Each visit is more insightful than the last. I also never feel judged when coming here either. It's something for all as well so whatever you're in to, and I do mean WHATEVER, they most likely have it here. And who doesn't love seeing Lucy. read more

I'm basically a shut in right now :O( and wanted some incense. I stumbled upon Alchemy Arts -- they ship! Ordering was extremely simple, and fast, perfectly packaged: everything was wrapped for safe shipping. -Essential oils: You can tell these are the real deal, and the scents are amazing. (Tea tree and lemon.) -Om Nagchampa incense: The smell is beyond intoxicating. -Catnip: I currently have 2 cats tripping balls! Four paws up for Alchemy Arts. Prices are incredibly fair; extensive number of products. I truly hope to get to the store to soak it all in after seeing the photos, and learn about/delve into, the spiritual supplies. But for now, it's comforting to know there is a locally-owned, genuine source to rely on. Big fan! read more

I love this place and am so grateful to live in the same neighborhood as this business. We buy a lot of literature, candles, incense and other items for ritual and routine. The staff is always helpful and never pushy or pretentious. Lucy, the shop cat is always a highlight to give a friendly pet or two to. (She likes crinkled receipts to play with!) read more

3 salespeople. 15 minutes of looking. $100+ to spend. 3 opportunities to speak to me, the customer--"Hello", "Can we help you?" "Have a nice day." Zero words spoken to me. Obviously, zero effs given about my business. Zero second chances. read more

Love this place. The energy here is amazing, the staff is beyond knowledgable and they have a sore cat named Lucy (Lucifer). She's a doll. Come here for your herbs, crystals, books and candles. They also have a good offering of classes and workshops if you're looking to get deeper into the craft. Many Blessings! read more

The customer service is amazing the girl at the register may be a real life fairy as u can feel her light shine, I feel like it's the best store in Chicago that will enlighten you an heighten ur vibration read more

This place is pretty great. They have a rather nice election of tears, resins, herbs and incense. They have some cool books you can browse through although a significant portion of them are for Wiccan followers, witches/wizards and they're not quite my cup of tea, I do enjoy the availability of such books within city limits. They have yoga books and a couple of alternative medicine/new agey type of books. They also have crystals, gems, palo santo, sage, as well as other items used for different ritualistic practices. The dude behind the counter was pretty friendly and helpful. I liked that he was easy going on and receptive to questions. If you're looking for a unique book store or have any "alternative" needs, this a cool place to check out. read more

Alchemy Arts is THE place to go for all your occult needs. I've been going here since I first converted to Old World Paganism at the tender age of 14. It's been almost 10 years now and Alchemy Arts is still the go-to place for even the most obscure of my needs. The merchandise is vast and incredibly diverse, the shop has a great energy about it (and occasionally a few shop cats), the prices are fair, and the staff is super helpful. Everything from Crafting/incense ingredients, to magickal supplies, to books, to candles, to jewelry, to altar supplies, to oils, to curios, to a display case full of everything intriguing - I'm surprised every time I go inside. I can never leave without a purchase in my hands! And if you're not quite sure what you're looking for or you're not a member of the metaphysical community, worry not! You won't feel unwelcome or out of place here! And feel free to ask the staff questions - they're very approachable. If you Like their Facebook page they put up statuses about updates, sales, and special store events! It's very personable and gives a real sense of community. I've been to a number of "Occult" and "New Age" stores, in both the city and the suburbs, and none are quite comparable to Alchemy Arts. read more

This is the best occult store in Chicago. I've been coming here for at least 15 years, and am happy to say the same folks work there. Everyone is kind and they are very knowledgeable! There's usually a cat hanging out to greet you. read more

Alchemy Arts is a really good shop. The store cat (Lady Frieda Harris) is adorable and will often come up to you to say hello while you shop. She recently won an award for the best store mascot (and got my vote) :) There's a good selection of tarot cards as well as the usual fare of incense, jewelry, etc. My husband got a really nice door knocker for our new place there. I always wind up spending a lot of money in the astrology section, since they frequently restock with new items. I'd say that they have the best book selection of all the occult bookstores in Chicago. read more

I love this place Ken and Amanda are amazing people and I recommend this place to anyone I come here every week!!

If you are looking for tarot cards, herbs to make a potion, books on the occult, candles to help with money or love, or any number of other occulty things, this is your place. The staff is great and very helpful in finding what you are looking for and making suggestions when appropriate. read more

Alchemy Arts - Spiritual Shop Near Me - Chicago, Illinois