"The most popular request I get — maybe because there are so many artists in the neighborhood — is help in pushing forward their creative potential," says Phil English, co-owner of the Bushwick occult store Catland.
Makes sense. Many of life's less abstract necessities that used to be left up to spells and potions can now be handled by the iPhone. Want love? Tinder. Want sustenance? Seamless. Alacazam.
Molly Burkett reads tarot cards for customers at Catland Books on Wednesdays and Saturdays.Photo: Lizzy Snaps Sullivan
"There are a lot of young folks who are feeling alienated from the upbringing of their parents, whether it be atheist, secular or Christian, and are looking to get answers about the world around them," says English, who was raised in a "hippie" Florida family that worshipped Norse gods.
You might expect a place like Catland to be located in a spooky old Victorian house. Instead, it opened last year on an industrial stretch of Flushing Avenue, taking the place of a plumbing supply store.
Many of Catland's customers are from the neighborhood, and Petersen, 26, says they come in "all ages and races." And business does pick up a bit this time of year. It's the pagan holy season, and Catland also gets its share of civilians wandering in looking for authentically witchy Hallow's Eve supplies.
The interior of the shop is dim and dusty, its red walls dotted with skulls, cat statues and goblets. In the back is a room where oil mixtures are prepared; up front, a rotating cast of tarot readers are available for consultations. One, Molly Burkett, is involved with Moon Church, a Bushwick-based group of magic-making women.
There are a lot of young folks who are feeling alienated… and are looking to get answers about the world around them. - Phil English
Among the store's selection of rare books is a tome called "The Dragon Book of Essex," which collects the rituals of Cultus Sabbati, a secretive British group that practices medieval magic rituals. Though the book isn't for sale, the owners say they would consider an offer in the thousands.Magicians without J.K. Rowling money might opt for something simpler.
"Candles are probably the top-seller," English, 29, says. "They're sort of the easiest thing to make magic with."
Candles can be scented with oils or carved with sigils — magical symbols — then burned to cast a spell. Ones related to love and money are popular. And this stuff works, the proprietors claim.
Petersen, who was raised Catholic but got into magic after reading about British occultist Aleister Crowley, says spells have brought him tangible benefits. He used one to win a coveted internship. Another time, he cast a spell to bring him pet cats.
Jessica Swanson gets a tarot card reading from Phil English at Catland Books.Photo: Zandy Mangold
Some customers do come in looking to curse an enemy, but English says he instead suggests an alternative.
"When they're asking for that, it usually means they're afraid of someone for some reason," he says. "What they really want is protection."
On Oct. 31, the store will host a celebration of Samhain, a Gaelic holiday that marks the beginning of winter, organized by local Wiccan group the Temple of Hecate.
But if you're thinking of jumping onto the magic bandwagon to impress others, say, at a Halloween party, be warned.
"Being a magician has yet to be a turn on," English admits.
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