Dusty, quirky and cluttered windows of Ancient Ways don't exactly call out a friendly welcome -- but inside you will find many fascinating bric-a-brac. I stopped in here looking for crystals and gemstones for a friend who lost his collection off a moving truck years ago. They have occasionally had some pretty bits - I got a lovely sparkly amethyst cluster -- but the overall selection of stones & crystals isn't very exciting to me. I can't speak to the rest of the shop as I'm an atheist and mostly poke around looking for pretty rocks for my friend - but it's definitely a slice of life, more like Berkeley than Oakland. Worth popping in to check out. read more

For the true witch this is the store! Shelves of herbs to choose from for your rituals and a huge assortment of homemade oils for every kind of spell work. A nice assortment of crystals, candles in every color and tarot decks. I love it! I live in the north bay and this is the place I drive to if I need lode stone and more oils. They smell so good! read more

I had an epiphany a few days ago and while I don't believe in spirits or vibes or any of that shit, my friend got me an "anti-fuck boi" candle from here and every day since I've had it something pivotal has happened. So anyway- my epiphany based on literally every experience with dating men: Men. They want to be 'the good guy' deep down I am a person who has consistently believed that the men I've dated were, deep down, better than they'd ever actually shown themselves to be BUT Here's the thing There is no 'deep down' That doesn't exist You are only what you do and show And it's just been me waiting for a thing that's not there on blind and ignorant faith because I want it to be true or believe it's what I deserve But it's not there If they don't show it and live it It's not there So thanks for the wisdom, candle thing Besides my friend, there was only one other did in the store and he seemed to work there. Which I guess makes sense bc dudes are the ones being dummies and then us women (maybe just me) fall for it and have to resort to hocus pokus to get our shit back together. Ugh. But dudes- maybe check out Ancient Ways and try to get right because you might not be a monster, but you don't just get to be a good guy either. That's not a default. You have to earn good guy. And you don't earn it because you drove me home, or agreed with something I said, or you told me you liked me, or you offered to buy me a drink (that I declined because I don't need shit from you), or so generously unlocked your front door for me to come in so you wouldn't have to actually get up from your chair in front of the tv and stop eating your fucking burger and fries for 7 seconds. And it's not my job to make you want to be a good guy but I dunno... if Ancient Ways sold a 'good guy' candle for all these motherfuckers I think they'd make a killing. In fact, I'll check up on it the next time I'm in. This store... it's not exactly a witch store and it is pretty strange. When we first walked in and went to the right of the door I was like, why are there legit novelty halloween witch hats and gargoyle figurines? This is waaaaay too hokey and I can't believe we came in here is it too late to moonwalk the fuck out? But then my friend went over to the left side of the store with all the candle shit and started asking questions on my behalf because he detests the dude I'm into and the other guys I went out on dates with were in pretty prime shape for shipping out as well. And I know he's not wrong, but I was also not ready to admit those other truths so for the most part I just stood there like a dildo while I watched my friend and the witchy woman stew over which candle would be best for my situation. I ended up getting to have a small hand in the candle that got picked (it's orange and the woman on it has gigantic boobs) and my friend and the witch (she's no actually a witch but I think it'd be so cool if she were so I'm gonna pretend) took it up to the front and apparently they offer the service of 'dressing' the candle for no additional charge. Dressing the candle involves the witch picking out a bunch of incense powder and glitter, and big confetti in various shapes that my friend ended up taking away from her, putting mostly back, and picking new and different more me-ish confetti out. I stood there, again, like a dildo and just made comments as my friend made all the correct decisions and then the candle was finally sealed with some oils that I know nothing about but smelled p good. It was super affordable and all I had to do was carry around a very fragile candle with a bunch of glitter and highly volatile oil all day long without spilling it- which, for like 7 more hours, I somehow did manage to do. I def feel weird about feeling like a candle is doing something because I'm very much a realist and not into all this stupid hullabaloo, but the number of strange and coincidental things that have taken place in the 2 weeks since I've had the candle are at the very least worth raising an eye over. I'll even give the candle 10% credit on the epiphany even though it's apparently what my friends have been trying to tell me for years. Whether your friends think you need to ditch a dude or you just want a cool lookin candle with custom glitter shit in it, Ancient Ways has got you covered. read more

Ancient Ways - Rad witch candles - Spiritual Shop Near Me - Oakland, California

Old neighborhood establishment. Hole-in-the-wall occult supply, herb & candle shop in a semi-seedy area (Telegraph x 40th St) with metal bars. But the people are friendly, and it's fairly safe during the day. You WILL meet some weirdos here. Helpful, knowledgeable staff. Ask them anything. Usually only a couple of people on staff, so when there are too many patrons around, it can be difficult to get undivided attention. "Rootworkers" can find most supplies here, at a reasonable price. They dress candles if you purchase them in-store. Candle/light setting service not available--due to possible fire hazard. If you don't see something you want, ask for it. Not everything is on display. Majority of patrons has been mostly the older, white, pagan community, and some African-American folks. However nowadays, everytime I go in, there's a different crowd, including younger clientele of various age and ethnicity. Good selection of books on various metaphysical subjects (whether you're interested in wiccan, pagan, witchcraft, astrology, vampirism, magick, voodoo, hoodoo, egyptian, tarot, runes, feng shui, etc.), including a small Used Books section. Robust online presence--ongoing events, classes and information. However, products listed in catalog form is not the most complete or frequently updated, and online shopping not available. read more

I love this place!! Awesome folks! It's under new management and the new folks are doing great!

This merchant is extremely sketchy buyer BEWARE. They double charge you for items when you use your credit card and do not try or care to fix. read more

Wonderful staff and interesting customers. The neighborhood is a bit sketchy and a homeless person came close to attacking me as I got into my uber outside the store. The most miraculous thing happened, the clerk (I don't know his name but he's an attractive redhead) came out and defended us and made sure we were ok as this crazy person was screaming at us and racist comments to the Uber driver. Despite this triggering a bit of trauma, I look back fondly at the experience. This is the bay area and people aren't compassionate like the store employee.. they just don't exist. But this very special person put himself at risk just to make sure a store patron was ok. So amazing! On the store: it is a bit smaller than expected and could use some more jewelry, but the items they had were truly special. There was a wonderful positive energy and it felt good just to be present. They had some beautiful stones and some books as well. I can't wait to return. read more

Lots of great finds hear, especially on the dried bulk herbs and endless list of Essential Oils choose from. They have just about everything for any spiritual needs including an array of candles, statues, books, jewelry, gems and stones, incenses and so much more. The staff are all mostly friendly. I've been coming here for over 10 years and never had a bad experience. All the staff are very knowledgeable on just about anything spiritual or at least related to the products and happy to answer questions when asked but usually people going in there know exactly what they want and looking for so usually just an hello upon walking in all that one would expect vs someone trying to make hard sales or sell ya things you don't need or want. read more

Spirituality, schmirituality. These folks are just about making a buck. When I tried to talk to them about local philanthropy (lending a hand to get access for prisoners to books on Wicca), they were totally uninterested and blew me off. read more

Had a tarot reading done with the gentlemen it was such a lovely experience! Highly recommend it. And for only 1$ per minute! Wow! They have a nice selection of herbs, resins, and incense. A good selection of candles and books too. I was hoping for more jewelry, crystals, pendulums and candle holders. They do have some! but just not many. I hope this business continues to grow and can offer additional items. The woman at the counter was also very knowledgeable when I listened to her assisting other patrons with questions. Quite a busy little shop! Will come back every time i'm in the area for sure read more

They *almost* always have everything I need **almost because sometimes they get so busy they get wiped out of certain things** For the most part the store is fully stocked with dried herbs, oils, candles, jewelry, statuary, Florida water, incense , crystals etc. Some botanicas in other towns will take photos of their shops and somehow make their shops look larger than they actually are or seem like they have more inventory than they do.... but Ancient Ways has what you need and things you never knew you needed. Hoodoo, Witchcraft, Whatever... Give them a visit for your magical needs Or if you just like to have candles & crystals for no apparent reason. Everyone that works there is very helpful and friendly. The prices there are extremely reasonable also. *****I needed to add on to my review due to the rude reviews below. I realize everyone has their own opinion and that's fine. People need to remember that this is an OCCULT or Religious supply store. Of course sometimes the staff may not be in the best of moods. Like myself they are also psychic, empathetic/empaths etc and they work with the public. If you're not smart enough to understand this, try googling it. They can absorb energy. Imagine working somewhere where people of all walks of life, all religions and problems or illnesses come in... you're around it all day , you can get drained. Sometimes you may be the one with an attitude or a chip on your shoulder walking in. Your attitude gets mirrored back to you. I know it's hard to hear. Oh well. Last, sometimes people walk in there or any other place with not the best of intentions or they want to do things and they don't know what they are doing or expect someone to give them a crash course (it doesn't work like this) so they get the feeling people don't want to help them when they are being unreasonable themselves. Yes, you are a customer. However this isn't CVS or Target. It's a religious/occult supply store...know what you're doing and have enough sense to realize that sometimes it's not easy to keep the energy all rosy when you work in places like that. Maybe next time ask in a non confrontational way if there is a problem or reason for the perceived attitude. Sometimes that's enough to draw someone's attention to what you assume is happening read more

Like this place, super affordable figurine candles, just not a huge selection of figurine colors and others but good for many staples. Ownership change was coming before my last visit months ago. Looking forward to revisiting! read more

Most OG candle/ crystal/ herb/ general bruja supply store in Oakland please come back after construction soon

This review is for tarot readings ONLY. My best friend and I thought it would be interesting to get tarot readings so one day 2 years ago, we did a random yelp search and ended up at Ancient Ways, not really knowing what to expect. Upon arrival, there was a good amount of foot traffic in the store - about 2-3 customers, but not crowded as the store is on the smaller side. We were greeted promptly, which was nice. We asked if we could get tarot readings and they told us that someone would be available in a few minutes. We meandered through the store and when my friend had an interest in some cards that were in a locked case, we were helped quickly. Within about 10 minutes, it was time for our tarot readings. We explained that we were a bit nervous and didn't know what to expect. The tarot reader put us both at ease and began our readings one at a time. We both got "overviews" which lasted between 15 - 20 minutes per person. Both of us were completely amazed at each other's readings. They were so on point and actually a lot of the things mentioned during the readings, were the same things that we had been discussing with each other over lunch right before we came for the readings. It was almost as if the cards were validating what had been on our minds. We felt so much better after the readings that every few months we kept saying to each other how we had to go back and do it again. Finally, the time came and we went a second time last weekend. Again, the same amazing experience with our readings. We couldn't stop talking about our readings for the rest of the day. It was such a fun and validating experience. We definitely want to go back in a few months! Both times we saw Marilee and we are definitely going back to see her!! read more

Ancient Ways is a legit magikal shop catering to the entire Oakland community and general East Bay community. Unlike Sacred Well, Ancient Ways has many magikal blends for popular spells, including Uncrossing powder (to put in a mojo bag or doll baby, making magikal oils from, sprinkle in front of your enemies front door etc), Come to me powder (and many other magikal blends); as well as colored candles for dressing, figurine candle for specific spellwork, magikal herbs (including the hard to find High and Low John the Conqueror root) and books galore. The only reason that Ancient Ways doesn't get 5 stars is because I was looking for a specific figurine for spellwork that they don't sell. How disappointing. If you are a Rootworker, Witch or Pagan, Ancient Ways should be on your short list of metaphysical shops to check out. read more

How "blessed" was I to find a stand-up pagan depot in my immediate neighborhood upon moving to the East Bay! In the land of "Spiritual" groups and bookstores, it's very easy to find a generically "new age" store, but I find that most of the stops here are generally catered to wealthy Western "Buddhists" and are often set up more like a boutique than an actual purveyor of tools and goods. Ancient ways is one of the few spiritual stores around that does not focus on Eastern Philosophy/Religion and actually caters to more pagan folk and magic users. It has the basic candles, stones, figurines and tools for any sort of rite or ritual, and, beyond that, the people running the store are knowledgeable and very willing to help you...and willing to dress a candle for you! Even for dabblers, it's a fun stop-- right by the BART with other great stores and restaurants nearby. Credit cards accepted. Making a trip here from somewhere a little further out is still worth it for everything else in the neighborhood. A store, staff and location full of positive feelings--not a snobbish boutique by any means! Every time I stop in here to stock up on tools and "pagan supplies," there is always a different type of person shopping there with me- old, young, this or that color, rich, poor. One common belief among almost all existing systems is a connection between all things- Ancient Ways is a great place to connect! read more

This place is great! I always find what I'm looking for, they have a great selection of candles and the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. Thank you ancient ways for being an Oakland staple. read more

I agree with some reviews that this store is inconsistent. Staff is sometimes friendly, sometimes not. Product has sometimes expired its shelf-life - i.e. incense with no smell!! Its close to my house, so occasionally I'll drop in for a last minute ritual need or an unusual, silly card for someone who will appreciate it. Overall, I think they could bring some new energy to the place regarding what they sell. That said, I do feel heartened by the fact that they are providing a service to people who want guidance and connection to Spirit. I appreciate its unique presence in this society where malls and chain stores are pervasive. read more

This store is Hit & Miss. I enjoy the products, but the staff and customer service not so much always. The power behind the products is the energy and your belief...not the store staff or even the products themselves per se. Once, one of the female clerks (the younger one) gave me the wrong information on a candle and then told me they were out of something, but I later found it in the store. Twice, two of my dressed candles BURST while lit. On my next visit i told the clerk what happened and he was less than enthused. Michael is very knowledgeable and helpful, but the rest of the folks might as well be Lucky's Supermarket employees. No difference. read more

I live in Stockton, and we have a store just as big as Ancient Ways, but there is something about Ancient Ways with it's old feel. There are books & cards, a few magik kits, jewelry, candles (they can also dress [bless] your candle(s), a nice variety of herbs and incenses, a wonderful array of oils. The staff is great, very helpful. I've even placed an order over the phone and it was shipped in a very timely manner. It never amazes me, I say I'm running in for one thing and 30 minutes later and $35-$50 later, I walk out with a big smile. It's my favorite store. read more

"This is an old, dusty, and unfriendly shop." - another reviewer nailed my thoughts exactly. We were the only customers in the store and no one ever said hello or offered to help with anything. Never even made eye contact once. I don't know... I don't even know what to say about this store. Maybe it's not for me, but I definitely got some opposing vibes. read more

I've been shopping here for years. They stock a little bit of everything and have an excellent selection of herbs and oils. They blend their own oils using homemade formulas instead of selling Anna Riva. They also blend their own curry powder and it is really tasty. I only use their curry powder. They do tend to run out of items and sometimes it takes forever to get more in stock. They buy from a lot of local artists and companies so sometimes it's hard to keep things in stock. It's really annoying when they're out of stock on the candles I need. The shop can get crowded, so avoid weekends and lunch hour if at all possible. read more

Neat store! I fully appreciated their emphasis on candles for candle magic and there was a basket of pin buttons in which I found a perfect sentiment to bring to an impromptu party invite! Thanks for being there! I was starved for some woo-woo appreciation and found some kindred spirit there....thank you! read more

I loooove this shop! Truly magical and prices that are bewitchingly good (lol. See what I did there.) A great place that will instantly feel at home, thanks to the heart warming environment and down to earth staff. Are there other metaphysical shops in California? Certainly. But they aren't ancient way :D read more

After reading the other reviews on here, I can't help but laugh. Apparently this is a love it or hate it, type of place.. I am one of the Love Its! The staff is super friendly and knowlegeable. I have always been greeted like a long lost friend. I went in because I found them online when I was looking for Spiritual Candles. I love the little trinkets and things they sell. If you are into the Occult, whether good or bad, this is the place for you. You can't beat the tarot readings which are cheap and accurate. They have a bunch of books on a variety of things and if you are new to all of this stuff, they explain things very nicely without pushing their beliefs on people. They have oils, herbs, candles, stones, etc...and I think they are reasonably priced. It is easy to find off of the freeway and usually there is plenty of street parking...If you get there before 6, then bring change because it is metered parking. I always leave this place feeling more peaceful than when I come in. I say Come On Down and Give it a Shot! read more

Amazing selection my Search is over I've found a shop that has it all.. Nice arrangement of stone, oils, candles, herbs and so much more. If you need it I'm sure ancient ways will have what you are looking for.. read more

The first time I discovered this place I thought I was going to stumble upon a D&D tournament in the back. Then I spent time to really look around. On the surface this place is great for the light-hearted dabbler and hidden in the rare crevices are a few usable items for the lifer. I do wish they had a larger selection of scrying items and larger crystals. I have bought 2 of my favorite crystal balls here, and found a few books very useful, they also have a nice pendant selection. I do enjoy their blend of occult with ancient egypt. I have spent most of my money here purchasing gifts for others, candles, medicine bags, oils and crystals. read more

I really enjoy coming to this shop. Every time I've stopped in, the staff have been welcoming and very well versed in exactly what things can and cannot be used for. I feel confident in shopping here and getting what I need and not being sold anything extra so they can make a buck. I've had great service from Don, but all the staff here are friendly. Though the store might look rather small, they do have a good selection. They have a fair selection of books and some are used so they are priced as such. They have a large array of oils and herbs. They don't have as many candles as I'd like and they often sell out of a certain type, so buy it while you can. They tend to sell out of certain types of oils and herbs, too so just a head's up. I came on my birthday to get a reading and some candles, and they didn't have the candle I wanted or a reader. I've also been here three weeks in a row looking to get readings (palm and tarot), and even though I came here in the posted hours they have readers available, there wasn't someone here to give me one. This is rather discouraging, so I'll probably skip it for now. Their prices are on the low to fair side. I come back often because of this. They have a little bit of everything you're looking for. read more

The ancient ways offer a great variety of candles and oils at a cheaper price.and They dress the candles for free too.They carry some traditional wiccan items which are hard to find anywhere else like sheep parchment ,bat hearts etc.They offer readings as well. I was impressed by their tarot readings but rune readings did not give any clarity.DON is the best guy to have readings with.Marilee is a great reader as well.DON is the best cashier and Mike is a very helpful person,they both do their best to answer all the questions of curious shoppers with great respect and politeness.I have seen DON helping people to suggest things for people to buy for their problems as if it was his very own problem.Thus a good karma comes from employees. read more

I love this place. I've had two tarot card readings at Ancient Ways and I found them both very helpful, interesting, and insightful. And the price seems very reasonable. The staff is cool, nice, and knowledgeable. I'm not sure what this type of merchandise is called. I guess I would categorize the shop as selling "occult" items or "spiritual" items. In any case, they have a nice selection. Mainly I go here for the tarot card readings. I don't see any need to go into San Fran to spend a lot of money. The tarot card readers at Ancient Ways are excellent and they charge approximately a dollar per minute. read more

What a pleasant place!!! Instantly from the moment I walked into this very easy to find location with easy parking, I felt great energy! The workers were extremely knowledgeable and even more friendly! One of the clerks, was probably an owner because her knowledge was superb! She helped me and answered every question I had. A great selection of books and herbs...actually, possibly the best selection of herbs and oils I have ever seen! An absolute must visit and check out!!! read more

Went here with my friend the other day. The staff were all very friendly and informative, which I appreciated. They have a great selection of herbs as well as books! Nothing seemed overpriced and I appreciated that. I will definitely be returning :) read more

I always called Ancient Ways "Walgreens". It is just your friendly neighborhood corner occult shop! They usually have every I need. Great service and they are knowledgeable. :) read more

I love the good energy at this place ,everyone is helpful and friendly . I had a reading and it was spot on , very convenient hours and location. I only wish the candle selection was bigger (7days candles only) Still they get 5 stars for the nice vibes plus absolutely no up selling here. read more

Rarely do I write reviews, but ancient ways had a nice, inexpensive selection of oils and incense that I was looking for. I got a tarot card reading, $1 a minute, which was pretty accurate, considering I did not tell him a word about myself. The other guy who was not performing the reading was extremely helpful, honest, and friendly. Very cute shop with a nice selection of items that are pretty inexpensive. Will definitely come back again. Definitely a great experience!! read more

I went in to Ancient Ways for the first time today searching for a particular tarot deck & some healing candles. They were welcoming & helped me find just the right tool which they then lovingly blessed for me. They even told me where to buy items that they didn't have in stock. This store has a lovely vibe & a fabulous selection of books, candles, stones & tarot decks. The only one thing I would mention is that the neighborhood is a little sketchy. Lock your car. read more

These guys are the best... They give great readings and have all you need to create magic in your life. True Oakland treasure

A Very interesting little shop... I have been frequenting it for years.. if You need Candles or Insence.. Essential Oils.. Crystals... Metaphysical Books... Herbs... This is Your little Nook... Very good Vibe Here.... The Staff is very helpful... read more

I came here on a fluke, my old place I used to get rocks and candles from moved away. But I'm glad I did it's a small space, but they use it well. They have an assortment of books,figurines, oils, jewelry,talisman and herbs. They have a very large selection of oils and herbs, and also makes suggestions on uses and meanings. They also have tarot reading s here. I will get one in the future. I'm kind of glad my old place moved to far away, because I would have never google for a new place! Pros: knowledgeable people work here! Every one is nice with easy going spirits. Cons: I wish I had more money..... read more

The best pagan store ever, plus the only one in the bay area. All the other ones kind of faded away over the years, but Ancient Ways is still here and hopefully for many more. BB! read more