If you are in search of knowledge and enlightenment then you'll firstly seek material tools that aid ones evolution. And as people walk the spiritual path it becomes more than just buying a few products — it actually turns into an entire lifestyle. Metaphysical, Occult, Wiccan, Pagan, or New Age stores — call it by any name — these stores are now manifesting across the human realm. "This concept is gaining popularity all over the world today. The term 'metaphysical' refers to spiritual. Earlier these stores were called occult, but the shadows on occult are now removed and it is no longer required that we use this term. Therefore , the term metaphysical or spiritual is preferred for stores selling spiritual products or services," says Swati Prakash, witch and president of Tarot India Network.
"An ideal metaphysical store will house crystals and gemstones, divination cards like the tarot decks, runes, i-ching , angel oracles, incense and incense burners, essential oils (gem scents, herbal blends, psychic oils, pure oils), epsom salt, Moroccan lamps, coloured candles, herbs such as sage, cedar (smudge sticks), metaphysical books, and relaxation music, among many other things," says Vinay Nasta, managing director, The Laughing Buddhaa in Mumbai.
EMERGING AREAS
As more Indians travel abroad they are learning various spiritual practices. And Wicca among the many is gaining in popularity. "Wicca is the only religion in the world that has a policy of 'harm none' as per the Wiccan Rede or code of ethics. Wiccans do not use prayers, spells or thoughts that are harmful to anyone. In no other spiritual system or religion will you find this," says Prakash. In India we often see only the sale of fengshui items, crystals for reiki or incense. We are increasingly seeing the demand for angel cards, and other similar items. "As we are opening to embracing the worshipping of feminine energy we begin to read literature about witches who are actually evolved souls and protectors, unlike portrayed in popular media as being evil. As individuals equip themselves with more knowledge there is a growing market that wants spell kits, wands, athames, brooms, ritual supplies and books on Wicca," says Vrushali Nadkerni , angel therapist and metaphysical goods supplier based in Dubai.
INVESTMENT
The start of any store requires capital: capital for land, interiors, initial stock, operational costs, cost of human resources including your own, cost of technology and systems , and cost of brand building and promotions. "In metaphysical stores you need to invest a little more because people are still unaware and, therefore, a lot of promotions may be required for its success," says Prakash.
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
According to Delhi-based Neelam Verma of Cosmic Rhythms, spirituality is an abstract concept and, therefore, running a store like this is a matter of 'serendipity.' "My aim is to heal people and the store that I happen to run now is just an incidental outcome." Excellent spiritual healing skills and qualifications are a must, says Prakash. "Such a store needs someone who is a leader and is renowned in the field." She also lists charisma and brand building skills because such a store requires spreading awareness and correct information to the public. And finally excellent management skills and qualification are a must because such a store requires impeccable policies and practices of running, according to Prakash.
FUTURE PROSPECTS
As lot more people turn towards spirituality they prefer to surround themselves with positive things deliberately selected and bought. "People are now interested in knowing the symbolic meaning of things. Even if they choose an object to decorate their home they prefer to go as per fengshui and place it in the right area because they know that everything has an energy effect. As people begin to learn the real meaning of everyday things and gain awareness that everything is ultimately 'energy' as proven by science — the phenomena of metaphysical or spiritual store is a force to reckon with," says Prakash who runs the metaphysical store Magick in Mumbai.
"An ideal metaphysical store will house crystals and gemstones, divination cards like the tarot decks, runes, i-ching , angel oracles, incense and incense burners, essential oils (gem scents, herbal blends, psychic oils, pure oils), epsom salt, Moroccan lamps, coloured candles, herbs such as sage, cedar (smudge sticks), metaphysical books, and relaxation music, among many other things," says Vinay Nasta, managing director, The Laughing Buddhaa in Mumbai.
EMERGING AREAS
As more Indians travel abroad they are learning various spiritual practices. And Wicca among the many is gaining in popularity. "Wicca is the only religion in the world that has a policy of 'harm none' as per the Wiccan Rede or code of ethics. Wiccans do not use prayers, spells or thoughts that are harmful to anyone. In no other spiritual system or religion will you find this," says Prakash. In India we often see only the sale of fengshui items, crystals for reiki or incense. We are increasingly seeing the demand for angel cards, and other similar items. "As we are opening to embracing the worshipping of feminine energy we begin to read literature about witches who are actually evolved souls and protectors, unlike portrayed in popular media as being evil. As individuals equip themselves with more knowledge there is a growing market that wants spell kits, wands, athames, brooms, ritual supplies and books on Wicca," says Vrushali Nadkerni , angel therapist and metaphysical goods supplier based in Dubai.
INVESTMENT
The start of any store requires capital: capital for land, interiors, initial stock, operational costs, cost of human resources including your own, cost of technology and systems , and cost of brand building and promotions. "In metaphysical stores you need to invest a little more because people are still unaware and, therefore, a lot of promotions may be required for its success," says Prakash.
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
According to Delhi-based Neelam Verma of Cosmic Rhythms, spirituality is an abstract concept and, therefore, running a store like this is a matter of 'serendipity.' "My aim is to heal people and the store that I happen to run now is just an incidental outcome." Excellent spiritual healing skills and qualifications are a must, says Prakash. "Such a store needs someone who is a leader and is renowned in the field." She also lists charisma and brand building skills because such a store requires spreading awareness and correct information to the public. And finally excellent management skills and qualification are a must because such a store requires impeccable policies and practices of running, according to Prakash.
FUTURE PROSPECTS
As lot more people turn towards spirituality they prefer to surround themselves with positive things deliberately selected and bought. "People are now interested in knowing the symbolic meaning of things. Even if they choose an object to decorate their home they prefer to go as per fengshui and place it in the right area because they know that everything has an energy effect. As people begin to learn the real meaning of everyday things and gain awareness that everything is ultimately 'energy' as proven by science — the phenomena of metaphysical or spiritual store is a force to reckon with," says Prakash who runs the metaphysical store Magick in Mumbai.
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