Category: Bookstores

These days, New Age and Occult book stores seem to be popping up all over the place, even in small, rural towns in the Deep South. In a city like ours, folks have quite a few choices when it comes to locating places to pick up themed books, ceremonial candles, oils and incense, but there are only a couple stores that truly cater to the magical community at hand. One store in particular is Alchemy Arts, and while they may have changed names and locations over the years, those in the know are fully aware of just where to go!

Of course, this sort of thing can be bought online just about anywhere, but nothing beats actually walking into a store and getting direct, first hand information. Besides, books bought from generic, sterile companies just don’t have that wonderful scent of incense enveloped within the pages, almost as if each book has already been enchanted, making the information that much more powerful!

What’s really great about this store is the people who own it: extremely knowledgeable and helpful folks truly dedicated to serving those who follow any of the hundreds of Pagan and Occult belief systems. They make their own oils right there in the store for any need or occasion, along with an excellent selection of new and used books, on top of pretty much everything else one would expect to find in such a store. The best part is of course how courteous and helpful the shop keeps are, no matter what their customer’s level of expertise happens to be. Unlike most New Age fluffy stores, they do not discriminate those who choose to work with the Left Handed paths and in fact have a wealth of products and information available.

On top of stuff to buy is their rotating list of special events, work shops, book signings and after hours get togethers. Once a month, like minded individuals drop by with food and libations to mingle with others and build up community, as well as learn from each other and network. Classes on a multitude of topics are held as well, and Pagan and Occult authors and musicians set up tables to sign their books and CDs while discussing in depth about their material.

No online store can surely offer all this, so those looking for more than the ordinary should definitely patronize this shop!

Not that many comic book stores in Chicago offer as much as this place does or have outlasted as many. Chicago Comics is a store where Comic Book Guy would feel right at home, perched above his nerdy pedestal, overseeing the lowly kids and 50 something geeks from far down below, just the way it should be. And who really cares if the guys behind the counter are a bunch of burrito munching, elitist snobs? They know their stuff inside and out, planning their schedules around Star Trek / Star Wars conventions, Comicons and reading up on the status of the latest underground rags - all so us miniscule peon shoppers and collectors can blow our pay checks to get our hands on all that is Avant Garde!

Walking in, patrons are transported into another world, though not exactly Krypton. That first whiff of old newsprint tantalizes the senses, beckoning to enter even further into its mighty depths. Besides the Marvel and DC standards, Chicago Comics carries an ungodly array of independent rags, back issues and rare gems many other stores simply do not have.

Manga, graphic novels and plenty of erotica are also in stock for more seasoned veterans and neophytes alike. And oh my yes - the statuary! and the toys, toys, toys! Where else can one lay their hands on an autographed Lady Death lunch box or an original Luke Skywalker action figure - in mint condition with original packaging?

Esteemed and independent artists make periodic signing engagements, so fans should sign up for their news letter to get the inside scoop. Indie artists can even contact the store for setting up consignment deals, which many stores simply will not handle. How cool would that be to bring your friends along and show them your mini comic gracing the shelves right alongside Stan Lee’s latest release? It’s enough to even make Brodie a tad jealous (though he’d never admit it).

So make the trek out to Chicago Comics, spend an hour or two with your closest friends, blow your hard earned money and swap out reading on the train ride home. Just be sure to scoop up some extra mylar bags, because you never know if what you just bought is going to become extra valuable!

Bookstores are a dime a dozen these days, it seems. But bookstores like Transitions Bookplace in Chicago are few and far between. Located at 1000 W North Ave, this store has gone beyond the traditional theme of bookstores that carry selections in categories such as fiction, biography, home & garden, and so on. Transitions inventory is separated into more esoteric collections like growth and transformation, angels, astrology, Buddhism, inspiration, etc.

The idea that became this gorgeous, 6000 square foot store came to owner Gayle Seminara-Mandel and her husband in 1989. Disillusioned by their day jobs, the couple decided on a whim to open their own bookstore. Originally located in a 400 square foot converted garage, they experience an overwhelming response from the community, which lead to the opening of the store at its current location.

Upon walking in, you know you’re not in any regular bookstore. The ambience is peaceful, but intellectual, and is heightened by new age music playing lightly throughout. To the left is a café, serving delectable sandwiches and coffee creations. This is a great place to sit down and browse through books.

And while books are the emphasis here, that is by no means where it stops. Transitions also stocks music CD’s, cassettes, and videos, and boasts a collection of DVD on subjects like conscious living, wellness, self-help & self-empowerment, and mythology & comparative religion. There’s a gift section as well, which carries a variety of gift options that range from tarot decks to aromatherapy oils.

Transitions also holds author events and workshops every month. Author events are usually free and workshops are offered at a discounted rate to members of the book club, which currently has more than 3500 members.

So next time you’re in the mood to pick up a book that you won’t want to put down, skip Borders or Barnes and Noble. Come to Transitions, but plan to make it an all-day thing. Once you get here, you won’t want to leave!