I went solo this past Saturday and sat up a yardsale which I dubbed, The Garden Boutique. I’ve done this several times with a good friend, setting up tables filled with metaphysical supplies to delight the stoutest pagan: pendulums, magickal oils and potions, spell candles, kits and bags filled with supplies to bless a home or to cast a spell, as well as enchanted jewelry, arts & crafts, and other unique creations that defy description. This time I had only my girls to help watch tables and merchandise while I gave tarot readings and balanced chakras. It was a bit of a juggle sometimes, but we managed.

We live in a rather ‘out-of-the-way’ location, and I’m never sure how our turnout will be at these events, since we’re a bit difficult for some people to find. But contrary to my expectations, we had a great day which included an afternoon rush and a few return visitors. And the girls and I noticed that this time we were not hounded by Christians trying to convince us that we were headed down an evil path. Our customers were politely curious, inquisitive, and some even eager to learn, asking questions and getting up close and personal with the poppets and pendulums.

I was up at 5am, just as I had planned, and was out in the garage digging out tables, shelves, and chairs. However, when I actually started getting things arranged I realized– wait a minute, it’s too dark. And it sure was, pitch dark. Even with the garage lights on, it was too dark to stock the shelves. With daylight came some soft showers with cool refreshing temperatures. Since there was no wind at this time, I dodged the rain by placing all the tables and merchandise beneath the overhang on our house.

This is a family endeavor and everyone likes to create something to add to the inventory. My eleven-year-old daughter spent the day before the sale making bags with fabric paint, glue, and glitter. Several days ago, she had spent just as much time painting large clear stones to create pretty magnets. It was fun watching her during the creative process, head bent low over her work, quiet and intent.

My 24-year-old daughter is the ‘Isabella’ in “Creations by Isabella”. She’s a graphic artist, tattoo artist, and talented jewelry maker. She added some of her creations to our Garden Boutique. I’m very excited for her and her atistic career– She will be selling her designs for stamps and scrapbooking paper to a national company. As soon as I’m allowed to post more information, I will.

I stocked the table and shelves with a variety of items from my website, The Witch’s Corner. Setting up these boutique yardsales is actually a lot of fun, no matter how many trips in and out, up and down the stairs it takes. (Tearing it all down is another matter!)

I usually try to have a few copies of my book on hand, along with plenty of business cards, and it’s always fun to watch people explore this table. It’s a satisfying feeling to send someone on their way with a copy of my book in their hand.

Tarot: A Witch’s Journey

We have a covered back porch with a partial west wall, an east wall of bamboo blinds, and our south yard is blocked by the trees, so this is a pretty private area, and this is where I sat up my massage table and a powerful crystal grid to do Chakra Balancing. It was perfect. I had a water fountain running back here. It was peaceful, protected, and inviting.

The opposite end of the back porch was reserved for tarot readings…I just had to shoo sleeping kitties away!

I always have a small table set up for my CD player and some favorite new-age music. And I always have a small notepad and pen available. Customers are invited to add a prayer request or wish to the bowl. We have a little tradition at the end of our boutique yardsales– after everything is put away, I’ll bring out my big black cauldron, and we’ll burn these requests in a sacred flame.

This is the perfect way to end the day.

Blessed Be,
Amythyst Raine