It is a great store, small but fine. Found my calendar and a great book but some essential oils that I needed. Very nice staff!!!

I'm learning to love my shadow, and in a really lonely place at the moment. I've been re-connecting to the path that I've followed for 20 some years, and decided to head down and pick up some basics...candles, holders, incense, and of course I ended up dropping a third of my paycheck and walking out happy that I did so. Prices are pretty nice for an indie shop, and the downside of that is that I got the last two white candles in stock...but they have a pretty good selection of bulk herbs, a good supply of specialty candles, books, and some cool statues. I hope to get back soon and pick up the ceramic Pan playing the flute... A very relaxed, chill, friendly vibe and I get the feeling that the folks working/running the place are genuinely concerned about their patrons needs. If you buy a candle, you're not just buying a candle- they'll ask you what you want to use it for and offer all kinds of wonderful information. If you're in a hurry, slow down and enjoy hanging out...that was one of my favorite things about being there. There aren't many of these shops left, and this is a good one that's been around for a long time. I also LOVED the Crimethinc., Occupy, and Gil Tract posters on the front window...truly one of the last real Oakland shops to face the onslaught of the SF gentrification process....Support them !!!! read more

Ancient Ways is wonderful, open everyday and the workers are very knowledgeable and personable. Thy mix their own oils, and carry comprehensive lists of herbs, crystals, and oils which is helpful for me as I'm shopping for new materials. In my experience, the people working are very generous with information about products, and don't seem to be trying to sell by sharing. I appreciate buying from people who are conscious of the traditions related to their products, and also honest about the scope of their knowledge. Unpretentious, pretty well stocked for size and variety, and close to BART. read more

I have been shopping at this store forever. It is the only place to get all of my craft and religious supplies at the same time as well as many many gifts. Books, clothes, herbs, jewelery, incence, and other stuff as well. The staff is knowledgeable and kind though sometimes overwhelmed. There are many classes held at the shop in the space in the back and you can get a tarot reading. And there are the festival and the convention! I just like looking in the windows read more

I used to live across the street from Ancient Ways. That is how I became familiar with it. I am attempting to access some information and this is not a review, per se. Though I did frequent the store when I lived by it. This may appear to be a strange request, but I really need some assistance. I am taking a college Anthropology class in Magic, Religion and Witchcraft at Laney College. I need to complete an Ethnography assignment and have chosen to do mine on Wicca. I was hoping someone would be able and willing to provide information on some possible local connections for me. I am in Oakland, CA 94606. I assure you, this is a serious request and I have necessary releases and documentation to verify it. Please feel free to forward my email address to anyone willing to discuss the practices and hopefully allow me to view ceremonies or such. Thank you, in advance for your time and any assistance you may be able to provide. Sincerely, Mitchell McCown mitchellmccown@sbcglobal.net read more

All I can say is about this place after my second purchase which I was looking forward to of a tarot card reading I called in around 4 o'clock pm to see if they had anybody that day to do a tarot card reading they said yes but said they had been busy and off the hook with customers the guy still encourage me to come in after coming in and waiting for an hour and a half after being told that I wouldn't be taken to have a tarot card reading 6:20pm rolled around I was refused to be served and the guy told me he would not be able to do my reading but they took the lady in front of me in line to do her reading even though it was after 6 o'clock pm after the time that they stop doing tarot card readings I will never step foot in here again how dare you guys treat me like a second class citizen as if I don't have the money to put down for a tarot card reading read more

This place is hella racist. POC walk in the store and the people who work there ignore us until they feel like acknowledging us. A few weeks ago, I went in with a receipt because I'd been overcharged for something, and the big guy with the glasses basically said he didn't trust that I was telling the truth. Even though I'd spent over $100 in the store in the week before. Like, why would I be lying to get back $5 now? Today I walked in and they were talking amongst themselves about the Voting Rights Act, and the same big dude with glasses didn't seem to get why effed-up voter ID laws that are designed to disenfranchise black voters were a problem. Yeah, they thought this was a good convo to be having with black customers in the store. Ugh. POC and allies, please don't go this store. For your own well-being, find a place where you will be respected. read more

This was my first visit to this store, and I had several books in mind when I arrived. Their selection was pretty great and the older woman working there- Marilee was very helpful and gave some great suggestions. The rest of the store has lots of candles, incense, pendants, stones and a generous selection of herbs. When Marilee confirmed she didn't have a book in stock she recommended two other stores that might carry it- a true sign of great customer service! While I was there she helped 3 other people, all of them seemed to know her and were regulars, also a good sign. I look forward to coming back and spending some more time checking their stones and jewelry out. read more

I went there with group to look at tarot decks. This is fantastic store with a lot to offer. It had a nice vibe and the staff was completely gracious and accommodating! Still, I was initially afraid to go there! The picture of the front looks like it is 'dive' and in a bad area. One suggestion is that they make a small effort to improve their promotional pictures. I would not have gone on my own if I didn't have to meet my group there. Once inside the store, it has a different 'feel' and their inventory is the real deal. Still, the music was folk music and not in keeping with the 'theme' of the store. I have often purchased the CD playing while exploring. Jone Biez has a place, but I feel that they were missing out on a valuable opportunity to get me further into 'the zone'. Plus, the bathroom is in serious of a simple paint job. Wouldn't be too much effort to keep everything looking crisp and clean. This said, I enjoyed my visit and will return. read more

They have quality items here at reasonable prices. They have a good selection of important items that are very useful. I have not done a reading here yet, but plan on doing so in the near future. The vibe here is very positive in my experience. read more

they've been around for awhile, so they must be doing something right. :) the staff is knowledgable and helpful, and when you want to get your mojo on, this is the place to pick up your supplies. the place can get crowded at times, but everyone politely waits their turn. their book selection varies in quality and is not consistent, however they do try to keep the older classic texts in constant supply. once i was in the store and this guy walked in who obviously had "mental issues" the staff was very kind, patient, and compassionate to the poor guy. be sure to check out their ongoing classes and events. read more

Great selection of incense! Tarot card reading done by the guy was not the best. But, you can't beat the price. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Parked on street. Easy to find. over all great place. Found stuff i was looking at other places and they didn't have. read more

Hi my name is olivia I love ancient ways they have great customer service the prices are fair on thee other end i love their candles they really work i was in shock how they work so fast. ancient ways should be the number one candle shop in oakland, ancient way ROCKS. read more

I've gone to Ancient Ways on several occasions for candles, oils and the occasional tarot reading. Personally, I have always had a good experience there. I have found the people who work there behind the counter to be helpful, friendly and conversational. Sometimes they are a bit scattered if it gets busy, but I think they do a pretty decent job of keeping everyone attended to despite only being 2 or 3 people there. I think some of their stuff is not top notch quality, like the pendulums and some of the incense. I've purchased and used the oils to good effect (usually for the candles). The two tarot readings I had were quite spot on and clarifying. Personally I felt the people there were very clear in terms of setting right expectations about getting a reading and the way they handle cue-ing people up. When I have had troubles the good folk there were empathic and kind. read more

A classic occult shop with a little bit of everything. Since they are a dying breed , you got to take what you can get. I rather spend a few bucks on BART though and head over to the Sword and Rose in SF, at least for my incense, oils and readings. read more

Have shopped Ancient Ways numerous times in the last year, probably twice a month. Been waited on by about all of the employees, and have had no bad experiences. The best experiences have been the book section (while not exhaustive is a great cross section of relevant subjects, plus the willingness of Ancient Ways to special order on request), the herb section (have been lucky and they always had in stock what was needed) and the tarot readings by Marilee. Thanks to Glenn, Marilee and the rest of the Ancient Ways team for keeping the ancient ways alive! read more

I have not been in Ca. in 17 years. My favorite store of all was, and still is, Ancient Ways. I was sad to not see a straight 5 star rating because they deserve it. I always loved the feel of the store and it was there I purchased many of my magical necessities. I miss the power of the store but I have never forgotten it. It impacted me in such a positive manner read more

excellent magickal place, friendly knowledgeable service, better selection than anywhere else