If you’re a Bostonian interested in aromatherapy, astral projection, crystals, Eastern mysticism, goddess worship, metaphysics, paganism, reincarnation, Reiki, Tarot or other new age/alternative practices, you’re in luck. Many people were working near your bookshop, selling books and supplies.
Open Doors (Braintree). 395A Washington Street, Braintree, MA 02184. (781) 843-8224. http://www.opendoors7.com. New England’s largest source of killer needs for the New Age, Open Doors is more than a bookstore. Also sells jewelry, sculpture, charms, supplies, crystals, lamps, Tarot/fortunetelling readings, cards, notes. etc. Open Door also has a full schedule of classes, lectures and workshops. Oh yeah…and there are books too. Open Doors sells New Age fiction and non-fiction of all genres. In the Braintree area, at least, there are so many steps and so much traffic that you have to watch where you walk. Since Braintree is a high-traffic area, it can be difficult to get tired help. A beaten path public transit, the open doors in Braintree are best reached by car. Parking is easy to find nearby.
Open Doors (Brighton). 360 Washington Street, Brighton, MA 02135. (617) 202-6333. http://www.opendoors7.com. A sister store to Open Doors in Braintree, the Brighton location contains the same variety of items. The Brighton area is also busy, but the navigation is more laid back, so you don’t always feel like you might stumble upon something. Those people without green cars can take the line or the bus, both of which stop nearby. Street parking is theoretically available, but don’t count on it.
Seven stars. 731 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139. (617) 547-1317. Seven Star sits outside Central Square, close to all public transport, although parking is scarce. With a quiet interior, high ceilings and sleek cabins, there’s plenty of enjoyable sailing. Although he sells calendars, crystals, bells and some jewelry, he is a major buyer of new and used books. Seven Stars focuses on non-fiction and art books about the religion, mysticism, and philosophy of India, China, and Japan. Meditation, yoga, martyrdom and prophecy sections are also notable. Despite the open floor plan, I have always had trouble with the customer service here; For some reason, it’s easy to slip under the radar of a seven-star owner.
Trident Bibliopolis and Cafar. 338 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02115. (617) 267-8688. http://www.tridentbookscafe.com. Tucked away on a narrow strip of hoity-toity Newbury Street, Trident is a welcome respite from the surrounding designer boutiques. Feed your appetite with delicious, affordable food from the cafe (including a delicious all-day breakfast). Then move on to the new and used book section to feed your soul. Trent stocks general-interest fiction and non-fiction, but really shines with his offerings on the intellectual side of the New Age Movement, such as psychology, religion, and philosophy. The store also sells a variety of Tarot/fortune cards (no sample cards available), calendars and note cards. They cover a variety of periodic alternations, in subjects from high-end decorating to radical feminism, to body modification. not complete in the metaphysical section. A Boston favorite, Trident is bursting at the seams with customers and running at a fast pace. But the cheerful clerks are always happy to help. Highly recommended (especially if you take public transportation – it’s on the green subway line and parking is expensive)!
Unicorn Books and Spiritual Resource Center. 1971 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02140. (617) 876-4448. http://www.unicornbooks.org. Upon entering the Unicorn Book, the peaceful atmosphere, with ambient music and scents from the scent corner, will absorb you. This store, conveniently located next to the Porter Square T and commuter train station, runs at a much slower pace than, say, Trident. Its spacious floor design contains a small box and several glomerular seats for riders in which to lounge. Unicorn sells book titles from angels to Zoroastrianism, with an emphasis on popular strands of New Age spirituality. Ornaments, crystals, essentials and Tarot/fortunetelling adorn books. I must say that Unicorn allows you to search through a list of paper maps before you buy – a big bonus. More or rare or unusual markets will order you. Finally, if you need to visit several accounts, consider the staff provide some of the friendliest services that I always have in the library He encountered Cambridgeians of every kind. Also offering free classes, events, and healings, the unicorn prides itself on being the one-stop-shop for all your New Age and metaphysical needs. It is also highly recommended!
