NYC spirit
W HEN British-born journalist, founder of Web site the Numinous and author of the new book “Material Girl, Mystical World” (Harper Elixir) Ruby Warrington first moved to New York City in 2012, she made herself at home by seeking out the most mystical spots she could find. That means stores, cafes and gathering spaces that offer a chance to step out of the physical world, she says, and into an emotional and spiritual one. “Mystical [means] anything that comes into the realm of our human existence that we can’t really put into words but we can feel,” she says. Warrington, who now lives in Williamsburg, shares her faves.
1 Lauren+Vanessa (80 Nassau St.; 646-673-4483)
This Financial District hair salon offers what it calls a “Crystal Cleanse Ritual,” says Warrington — “a hair wash treatment that includes reiki and crystals, for a high-vibe pampering session.” You’ll leave the $250 treatment with a blowout, a balanced aura and a crystal to take home with you. Plus, Warrington adds, “they do the best blond.”
Stick Stone & Bone ( 113 Christopher St.; 212-807-7024)
This West Village shop, near her first NYC apartment, is “a great place to dip a toe into the mystical world,” says Warrington. She recommends the store’s crystal protection rings to combat stress — “I wore those rings all summer long [when I first moved here],” she says.
Enchantments ( 424 E. Ninth St.; 212-228-4394)
The offerings at Enchantments, NYC’s oldest occult store, are for the more intrepid shopper. “You can go there and have them make custom spells for you,” Warrington says. “I don’t personally go get spells, but it’s a fun space to get a bit more witchy with it.” Corporeal items for sale include custom-carved candles, blended oils, incense and books on everything from tarot to herbs.
Alchemist’s Kitchen (21 E. First St.; 212-925-1267)
Grab a tonic-boosted latte and peruse the wellness offerings at this cafe-shop hybrid. “They sell lots of nextlevel medicinal supplements, and they have an herb bar,” says Warrington. Alchemist’s Kitchen also hosts events on herbology, the occult and DIY healing. “I’ve been there for a cacao ceremony,” Warrington says. “It has very potent healing properties in that it opens up the heart space and is very detoxifying.”