Psychic Eye flourishes as new agers seek goods, services Psychic Eye flourishes as new agers seek goods, services (July 26, 2002)

By Samay Gheewala

On entering the Psychic Eye Book Shop on El Camino, the first things to catch a casual visitor's eye are a pair of large, elaborately detailed faux-ancient Egyptian sarcophagi. But upon closer inspection, they reveal themselves as a wine rack and CD holder, combining the aesthetics of antiquity with the lifestyles of modern California.

Psychic Eye presents Mountain View with a calm, quiet place for those people who are interested in alternative spiritual paths, finding out more about different religious traditions, seeing a psychic or astrologer, or just looking for decorative items related to those "new age" traditions.

In fact, Manager Valerie Gould estimates that of the store's total sales, one-third are from books, gifts, and supplies, one-third are from classes, such as the hugely popular belly-dancing lessons, and one-third are from psychic consultations and astrological services.

Gould has been with the store since it opened in the fall of 1995, when owners Robert Leysen and Mary Kara expanded from their Southern California base. They now own a total of 11 stores, including three in Las Vegas.

Gould said northern Silicon Valley has a strong base of people interested in the metaphysical, and Mountain View's "earthy" character has provided a successful location. With the East West bookstore nearby (on Castro Street), Gould said, Mountain View has become a destination point for people seeking non-Western or alternative spiritual products.

"Most people like the variety that we offer, and they usually go with a blend of different styles. Our point of view is that everything's all good, and however our customers want to express themselves spiritually is fine with us," said Gould.

This philosophy has led Psychic Eye to become very well known in the metaphysical community. "A lot of people come by here because they know the name and associate it with high-quality products," Gould added.

In this spirit, Psychic Eye makes an effort to bring its customers difficult-to-find products, including a wide selection of herbs used in many spiritual traditions, ranging from Buddhist to Haitian Vodou. But more than that, it offers hands-on experiences with classes and psychic services available in-store.

The biggest draw in the store is the belly dancing lessons, offered regularly for a wide range of skill levels by Azar, a local professional belly dancer. These classes, which last 12 weeks, are offered for both beginners and advanced dancers. Other classes offered include West African Drumming and occasional one-time seminars by visiting guest lecturers, on topics such as "spiritual manifestation."

Psychic Eye makes in-store psychic services including consultations, readings, and personalized star-charting available to customers at all times, allowing both casual customers and dedicated clients to seek their services.

Gould emphasized that all of the psychics are thoroughly evaluated before being hired to ensure that they are experienced, ethical and personable, unlike many of the telephone psychics advertised on TV, and now under fire for their practices. "Most people like the variety we offer, often times they will see a channeler (a psychic who makes contact with deceased loved ones) one week and the next week a tarot reader, because they enjoy the different styles" said Gould.

One development that has affected the store lately has been the Harry Potter craze. "It's taken away a lot of the fear; people are more accepting of things like witchcraft and magic after Harry Potter came out," Gould said.

In fact the store -- which carries several styles of old-fashioned brooms for use in Wiccan rituals -- now carries a Nimbus 2000 broom, modeled after the one Harry potter uses.

"We find that we're a supportive environment for all beliefs, and customers like that," Gould said.
E-mail Samay Gheewala at intern@mv-voice.com