Have you been looking for the perfect spot to cultivate your inner witch or wizard? Grab some new crystals? Get a tarot card reading done? Even if these tasks aren’t on your to-do list and you just like exploring unconventional and unique corners of life, the Crystal Wizard in Gleneden Beach is one of the most interesting and eclectic stores you’ll find on the Oregon Coast.
The shop, located on Gleneden Beach Loop just north of town and south of the Salishan Lodge, has been open since 1991 and up until this last July, run by the much-loved Cris McGinninis. Upon her recent retirement, she passed the reins to Wendy Ohlendorf who has extensive knowledge about using crystals, alternative healing, and has run a shop like this of her own for several years. The Crystal Wizard is commonly described as a metaphysical store, and in addition to the occult products they sell, Ohlendorf also offers tarot and oracle readings, chakra balancing, sound therapy, and quantum crystal reiki.
When you walk into the Crystal Wizard, it immediately feels like you’ve entered a sanctuary. Here you can find curated display cases full of jewels, quartz crystals, and gemstones, as well as books, incense, and other metaphysical products. But don’t be scared off if you’re not into the woo-woo, hippie stuff! There’s seriously something here for everyone and they have plenty of “normal” gift items like greeting cards, candles, and jewelry. It’s almost like you’ve stumbled into a little hobbit house full of treasures and you can easily get lost for hours admiring the craftsmanship of the products or standing in awe of the natural beauty displayed around you.
The new owner and staff here are also phenomenal. Not only are they friendly and inviting, but they’re also extremely knowledgeable about their products and will take the time to talk with you and answer all your questions. This is true whether you’re a crystal skeptic or a die-hard believer of metaphysical powers and the benefits of crystals. They love striking up a conversation with anyone who’s truly interested!
The shop also hosts regular community events that bring together neighbors and practitioners. Perhaps you’re interested in events like, “Tea Talks in the Wizard’s Kitchen,” “The Wizard’s Full Moon Book Club,” crystal grid workshops, or shamainc astrology sessions (which admittedly, I’m hopelessly under-informed about, but maybe this is right up your alley!).
The items in the store are reasonably priced, and everyone who enters will want to walk away with at least one new trinket, stone, or gift item. There’s also two great shop cats that may grace you with their presence, or you may find them curled up in front of the fire on a cold day. The furry felines that greet you today are a sleek black cat named Daphne and a Siamese named Lord Henry, but there’s almost always been a cat present in the store since it was first opened. And if I do say so myself, cats bring a special kind of magic to any room. If we could all just have more Crystal Wizards in our life we’d be better off for it. Check it out the next time you’re in the area.
Hours:
- Wednesday - Saturday, 11:00am - 6:00pm
- Sunday, 11:00am - 4:00pm
Address: 7150 Gleneden Beach Loop, Gleneden Beach, OR
Phone: 541-764-7550
