An Interest In The Occult Leads To Mystic Spirit Metaphysical Shoppe

Karen Aistars' interest in the occult started when she was in grammar school in nearby Kearny. From an early age, Aistars, now 43, borrowed astrology books, tarot cards, and Ouija boards from her older sisters, and did whatever she could to cultivate her growing interest in New Age spirituality.

But her interest turned into more than a hobby in her early twenties after visiting a local metaphysical shop, where she discovered Wicca and magick. Over the years, Aistars studied Wicca, which she describes as a contemporary neo-pagan religion with spiritual roots in Shamanism and a reverence of nature. Little did she know at the time, though, that 20 years later she'd be playing the role of shopkeeper (and teacher) at Mystic Spirit Metaphysical Shoppe on Glenridge Avenue.

"I was working full time as graphic artist and part time at New Dimensions on Church Street (now Blu Lotus) with Craig, the owner," Aistars recalls. "I was getting fed up with working in the corporate art world and was let go from my job. I decided to buy some metaphysical products wholesale and sell them at New Age fairs. I did one fair which went well, but Craig asked me if I would like to sell my stuff at his shop instead."

Aistars went from creating wands and handmade clay rune necklaces (jewelry containing positive affirmations and magickal symbols) to subleasing retail space from Craig and opening a shop within his. Inspired by her online name "Mystic Muse," Aistars called her store Mystic Spirit Metaphysical Shoppe.

A year later, along with her husband Davis, Aistars moved into their own space in Upper Montclair, eventually moving to the location on Glenridge, where they've been for more than three years. "I think downtown Montclair is more diverse," Aistars says. But she believes the community, in general, is very open-minded when it comes to the types of products and classes Mystic Spirit offers. "Some towns (like
Caldwell) have ordinances against tarot readers and some are not as tolerant as Montclair of non-traditional beliefs," she said.

The store specializes in products for Witchcraft, Wiccan, Pagan, Goddess, Buddhist, New Age, and Occult spiritual beliefs. Aistars herself creates the store's magickal oil and incense blends, enchanted spell candles, and "mojo bags" (small bags containing charms or talisman). Mystic Spirit is also host to classes and workshops taught by Aistars and guest teachers, on topics such as "Foundations of Magick," "Intro to Tarot," and "Women's Empowerment.

"I think some people are drawn to Wicca because it includes the feminine divine," she says. "It is not just God and man, but Goddess and woman too. It also is very connected with the Earth and more people are trying to connect with the Earth's energies ... to become more at one with it."

"More people are exploring alternative religious beliefs now then when I was a child," Aistars says. She believes times are changing, particularly due to more information being available on the Internet and a greater acceptance of alternative beliefs.

Mystic Spirit has an online shop, as well. For more information about their products and upcoming workshops, visit http://www.mysticspirit.net.