San Francisco Occult Shops, Tarot Cards and Oddities

San Francisco has long been a magnet for the mystical, esoteric, and downright unusual, thanks to its countercultural history, spiritual communities and embrace of the unconventional.

From hidden occult temples and crystal-filled metaphysical stores to curiosity shops and independent tarot readers or psychics, the city offers a whole bunch of cool spots to explore spirituality, oddities and the occult. Here are a few great places to check out around Halloween.

Occult, Metaphysical & Witchcraft Shops

These stores specialize in crystals, herbs, ritual tools, incense, books, jewelry & spiritual supplies.

The Sword and Rose

The Sword and Rose is one of San Francisco’s most iconic occult destinations. Founded in 1985 and tucked behind a courtyard dedicated to Asherah, it functions as both a metaphysical shop and an esoteric temple. Expect over 90 hand-blended ritual oils, incense, and baths, plus crystals, occult books, jewelry, talismans, candles, and divinatory tools. Tarot, palm, and astrological readings are available on-site. Visitors frequently praise its peaceful, intentional energy.

The Sword and Rose
85 Carl St
San Francisco, CA 94117

Crystal Way

Crystal Way has operated since 2003 as a bright, crystal-focused metaphysical store. It features extensive displays of high-quality crystals and gemstones from around the world, along with jewelry, books, incense, oils, soaps, and other spiritual tools. In March 2026, there were plans announced for a large development at 2317 to 2335 Market Street, so make sure to check before you visit since they may end up moving to a new location.

Crystal Way
2335 Market St
San Francisco, CA 94114

The Love of Ganesha

This cool space stands out with its eye-catching storefront and abundant selection of crystals, jewelry, candles, incense, and spiritual clothing. It’s a favorite for browsing and finding unique pieces in the heart of the historic district. Plus, a trip to the Haight just kind of has a spiritual feel anyway, so you can really take advantage of the surroundings.

The Love of Ganesha
1573 Haight St
San Francisco, CA 94117

Psychic Mission Street Candle Shop

This shop combines handcrafted soy candles (often with essential oils), crystals, pendulums, incense, oils, and other metaphysical items with on-site psychic, tarot, and palm readings, plus chakra work.

Psychic Mission Street
2390 Mission St
San Francisco, CA 94110

Other notables include herb-focused apothecaries like the Scarlet Sage Herb Co. and shops carrying Orisha or specific cultural spiritual supplies.

Oddities and Curiosity Stores

For the truly weird and wonderful side of natural history and the macabre, these places are worth checking out.

Paxton Gate

Paxton Gate is a legendary curiosity shop inspired by gardens and the natural sciences. Inside you’ll find taxidermy (including whimsical dressed animals like mice in top hats), fossils, bones, skulls, crystals, minerals, glass taxidermy eyes, framed insects, carnivorous plants, and other natural oddities—ranging from the educational to the delightfully bizarre. The shop sometimes offers classes in taxidermy or insect mounting.

Paxton Gate
824 Valencia St
San Francisco, CA 94110

Related nearby curiosities include the Pirate Supply Store at 826 Valencia. It is more whimsical pirate gear than pure occult, but perfectly quirky. It is also a great place to search out a sweet Halloween costume, but try to get there at least a week or two before the holiday as it can get very crowded leading up the the 31st.  Magic shops like Misdirections Magic Shop (1236 9th Avenue, Inner Sunset) stock professional and amateur magic props, books, and supplies that appeal to those interested in performance and illusion.

Pirate Supply Store SF
826 Valencia St
San Francisco, CA 94110

Tarot Card Readers, Psychics, and Related Services

Many metaphysical shops offer readings, while independent practitioners provide specialized sessions by appointment.

At The Sword and Rose, in-house readers provide tarot, palmistry, and astrology. Spellbound Psychic Gifts specializes in tarot, palm, psychic readings, chakra balancing, sound healing, and custom spells, while also selling crystals, cards, singing bowls, and oils.

Spellbound Psychic Gifts
2201 Filbert St
San Francisco, CA 94123

Independent highly regarded readers include:

Sea Tarot (Meredyth) : Therapeutic, intuitive tarot focused on clarity, decision-making, and personal insight; also does parties, workshops, and events.

Terry Yoder (Castro area): Clairvoyant tarot counselor known for compassionate, detailed sessions.

Embarcadero Psychic (Victoria, near Embarcadero/Drumm Street): Third-generation psychic offering palm, tarot, psychic readings, and spiritual healings.

Others such as Intuitive Tarot Readings by Jeannie, North Beach Psychic, and various walk-in or appointment-based readers around the Mission, Castro, and Richmond districts.

Rates typically range from $80–$150+ depending on length and type of reading. Many emphasize empowerment and guidance over pure prediction.

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