The Cat and Cauldron

The Cat and Cauldron is an online store featuring "The Magical Art of Thalia Took." Appealing to all those who might honor the goddesses and gods of present day, past and obscurity, The Cat and Cauldron brings the delightful artwork of Thalia to the mundane world of T-shirts, mugs, baby-wear, and other gifts. While I may make that sound ordinary, the unexpectedly masterful artwork of Thalia is really something to be proud to display. Her store has been in operation for 5 years and self describes like this:

Here you can find a variety of Goddess, Tarot, and other Pagan designs, including art from my Goddess Oracle Deck as well as other God, Tarot, and Goddess art on a variety of products including prints, posters, tile boxes, greeting and postcard sets, pillows, and about a zillion different kinds of t-shirt.

But, although the store makes gift-giving a cinch with organic shirts, cool mugs, practically every goddess you can think of, mousepads, etc...you have access to another very cool site featuring Thalia's artwork. A-Muse-ing Grace Gallery showcases Thalia's artwork, but also features an Obscure Goddess online directory and a new blog called Amused Grace.

Want to know more of Thalia beyond her two sites? Check out this interview I found. Here's an excerpt:

My advice for the whole entire world? As if they'd listen, but I'd say: Stop. Look around you. Get out of yourself; get outside of what you're used to doing, and look. If you really look at world and the way things are done, you will sooner or later see the tragic absurdity of so very much of it. When you can see that, you can stop contributing to it. And then you can actually do something beneficial.

My Experience:
Thalia Took is a purist when it comes to her artwork, but because I live in a town of artists, I tend to think that just means she's highly talented.

I have found that I absolutely
have to be inspired to create my art;
I think this makes it more likely to be a
true face of the Divine.

Since I haven't actually seen her work up close, I can only marvel at the online versions of her artwork.

Specifics:

1. Store- The Cat and Cauldron
2. Price- Variable depending on the product
3. Website-http://www.cafepress.com/catncauldron
4. Email- thalia@thaliatook.com
5. On the Map-New England

The Ark Bookstore

The Ark is one of those places that you might want to do ALL of your holiday shopping at. The online store is packed with lots of interesting items such as singing bowls, Thai, Bali and Hindu statues, gongs, Books, and Tarot. The music section is large, although you can't listen to a preview online. Each day the Ark offers 20% off of a selected item.

My Experience:
The Ark has a physical location in Santa Fe, NM with an energy of calm and peace. As an 8 room house converted to store, each corner, crevice and wall is filled. The focus tends to be books and music, but there is a nice selection of Tarot, crystals and jewelry, singing bowls and gongs, incense and Buddhist items.

My favorite thing to do in the Ark is to browse the used book section for something that jumps out at me. This section covers about 4 walls and shrinks or grows with the season. Unfortunately, used books are not offered on the website.

Specifics:

1. Service-Bookstore
2. Price-Variable
3. Website-http://arkbooks.com/
4. Email-Contact info on website
5. On the Map-133 Romero, Santa Fe, NM

Visions by Sheena

This store has no online presence, which goes against the tenants I had set out, but I thought that perhaps, I'd modify them somewhat. If you just happen to be in the downtown Monterey area, this store has a lovely selection of crystals, bath salts and some oils. There was a room set aside for readings: Visions by Sheena and Readings by Angela.

My Experience:
I did not get to experience anything but the store, which is small, and contains a typical variety of metaphysical trinkets. The store itself seemed to cater more to the Monterey tourist or gift shopper than a hardcore metaphysical looker. I also know nothing about the readings performed either by Angela or Sheena, but had the lucky chance to meet Angela in the store. She was manning the front desk and seemed young and sweet and gave me a nifty pen! If you have more information on the store or readings, please leave a comment or rate the store below.

Specifics:

1. Service- Store
2. Price-Variable
3. Website-NONE
4. Phone-831-655-2273
5. On the Map-345 Calle Principal, Monterey, CA 93940