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March 29, 2009
FireStorms is easily recognized by the glittering, colored glass pieces hanging in the window and by the geodes studded with clusters of brilliant purple amethysts on the window sill. Inside there is a vast selection of "gifts for the mind, body and spirit," their business card claims. There are baskets of polished stones, crystals, shelves of incense, handmade soaps with names such as earth spirit, dragon protector and green man. Here are fragrant candles, "lotions and potions" to treat the body's ills, jars of dried herbs and flowers, oils, bags of runes and tarot cards useful for transmitting messages or looking into the future. Here is a case of jewelry, necklaces created from semi-precious stones embellished with pendants. Select your favorite stone from the assortment and it can be wrapped in gold, silver or copper wire to create a special piece of jewelry.
"I assure you, there's no blood in any of the inks," said co-owner Dawn Rose, 36. Rose and Tanya Tice, 37, opened their shop last September, sensing the local interest they had noted in response to their Web site, Magical Market. They have been pleased with the interest expressed by visitors to the shop. The two women are Wiccans. Rose is a traditional Wiccan, Tice an eclectic Wiccan, a slight variation in what Rose said is "a modern reconstruction of an ancient faith" that is said to trace its roots to western Europe. They are followers of what is described as a Goddess-oriented, "neo-pagan" religion, sometimes worshiping a God as well as a Goddess. Wicca ascribes to the laws of nature, observance of the seasons and is symbolized by the pentagram or pentacle, the five-pointed star enclosed in a circle. This symbol represents Wicca's basic elements of earth, fire, air, water and spirit; the circle represents infinity. "The basic tenets are a belief in and strong connection to nature. Following the cycle of seasons is part of our spirituality," Rose said. "The Wiccan 'rede' is to harm none and do what you will." Wicca emphasizes self-study and self-improvement. They point out that Wicca is in many ways similar to many of the world's religions.
They recognize that opening FireStorms Mystical Emposium in this area was a big risk, but there are "more than 1,000 people" who find support here with others who have similar beliefs," Tice said. Kaija, a young woman who frequents the store, said "I'm a pagan. I find books and other stuff and support here." Others have come and said they need a place like this, Rose said. Most Wiccans are women: probably because of the Goddess," Tice said. "We never recruit," she said. "Wicca is for the most part a one-on-one religion.'" Both women welcome questions from curious people who stop in. They are always open in their response. "But I don't like close-mindedness and people pushing their faith on you," Rose said. She recalls the day a woman entered the store, took one look at the "witch's calendar,' screamed and ran out. "I put the calendar away for awhile, but then I took it out again," she said. The "witch" label that is sometimes associated with Wicca is because of its closeness to the forest and nature. Tice also is a nurse's aide at Hillcrest Nursing Home, where she discusses her beliefs with the residents there. She is a former teacher. © 2009 Muskegon Chronicle. Used with permission |
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FireStorms Mystical Emporium is perhaps the most unusual shop in this area. It is one of a group of small businesses lined up in a row on Clay Avenue in downtown Muskegon.
The women have a hstory in common, both arriving at their present beliefs through a period of seeking answers to the questions they had about their former, conservation religions. "I would prefer to go out in the woods and read a book rather than attend church," Tice said.