Lailah J.
Yelp
This is a tiny shop in Chinatown that sells crystals and jewelry, and is in particular known for their aura photos, which is what I come here for.
I was at first skeptical, but I've had my aura photo taken here 6 or 7 times now over the course of 2 years, and it's remained pretty consistent - it's always purple hued (which fits with my personality and proclivities), so I don't think the camera is just spitting out random colors.
The readings are fairly accurate if also somewhat generic, and often quite similar from what I've heard (for myself as well as for some others: i.e. overthinking, poor sleep, tiredness, coming out of past negativity which needs to be let go. Though we live in NYC so these diagnoses apply to like 90% of the population? ). Maybe because I'm a tarot reader so have higher expectations, but I find the readings superficial and not very nuanced. However I've also had friends who say their reading is dead on and were given quite specific advice or were told something about themselves that was relevant and true at the time, or had a health or physical problem pointed out that they are indeed suffering from. This could perhaps be due to the skills of a particular reader they have on any given day/time, since from what I can tell everyone in the shop knows how to give readings, though I imagine the talent level must vary (and some might also be better at 'cold reading' than others). Your aura reading is supposed to correspond to a chakra chart, though since the readings are generally brief (about 3-5 minutes, depending on how busy it is), the functions of the chakras are not referenced in much detail and you're better off Googling the meanings of your aura colors and chakra correspondences later on. Don't be afraid to ask questions though if you don't understand something, such as what a color or where it appears means - you are better served if you ask follow-up questions as it allows the reader to give better advice and be more helpful. The ladies who work at the store are all very nice. They won't rush your reading if the store isn't too busy or has a long line of customers waiting.
The photos are cool, and it is very fun and entertaining. I've brought and referred literally dozens of friends and out-of-town visitors to this place. The photos cost $20, or $8 if you make a crystal purchase, which they'll occasionally recommend but never hard-sell you on.
The crystals are a bit pricey, but they do charge them for you (energy-wise). And you can bring them back for recharging, free of charge (ha!). And there is also an area where you can sit and place your hands on a clear quartz and an obsidian crystal, which is supposed to recharge your energy (the quartz) while removing/absorbing negative energy (obsidian).
It is a charming shop and worth a visit.
Tip: the store is actually located on Centre St. between Canal and Walker (not on Canal as per their address).
