Occult Bookstore History

Occult Co. is a historic occult business based in and operated out of Chicago, IL. For decades, we’ve made it our mission to immerse ourselves in the study and practical applications of metaphysics and occult practices. Our specialty lies in Rare / Antique Artifacts (inc. books, tribal talismans, sacred relics, occult art and living stones).

 We remain dedicated to preserving and encouraging the continuation of religious and spiritual practices of ancient civilizations, theurgic and gnostic philosophy, religion and science, ethnic and indigenous peoples, including the study and practice thereof, and investigating the magical and mystical laws of the universe and the occult and psychical powers latent in esoteric human nature.  

In 1918 the legacy began as D.G. Nelson first opened the store dedicated to the mysteries of life that still actively purveys the finest in esoteric texts and supplies. Chicago’s own Occult Bookstore is the oldest spirit shop in the US and was established to serve as a mystical resource and spiritual institution. The word ‘Occult’ means hidden or beyond the realm of human comprehension, and the first storefront at 611 N. State St. was frequented by many of the personalities of the occult world.

Now, over 100 years since first opening, The Occult Bookstore remains dedicated to the spiritual community with a storefront at 3031 N Milwaukee Ave in Chicago. And with our online store, we are at your disposal to provide you with all of your magickal needs.

We have experienced growth and expansion so that our rare magicio-sacred items are now available worldwide. Regardless of where you live – whether surrounded by urban sprawl or secluded in the depths of remote locales – you now have access to the supernatural potential of our high quality magickal items, some of which until now, have been unavailable anywhere. 

Legacy, Lineage, and Living Tradition in Chicago
 
For over a century, Chicago has been home to the oldest spirit shop in the United States~
The Occult Bookstore, founded in 1918.  What began at downtown on State St.
as a gathering place for seekers of the mysteries has grown into a living institution,
serving generations of practitioners, mystics, and visionaries.
Today, at our home at 3031 Milwaukee Avenue and online worldwide,
we continue this lineage of service to the spiritual community.

 
The Occult Spiritual Society carries forward this historic legacy
~as Alchemist Lineage Holders & pan-traditionally Initiated team focused on
preserving the Wisdom of the Masters and keeping the
Knowledge of Spiritual Ancient Mysteries intact

“Occult” means that which is hidden ~beyond ordinary sight~
and we hold sacred the responsibility of bringing this
wisdom into the world with integrity, care, and presence.

Our Offerings
Every member of our team is a skilled practitioner with lived initiatory experience
on the spiritual path. Together, we embody a wide constellation of traditions, including
 
Mystery School Currents: Hermetism, Kabbalistic Mysteries, Solomonic & Enochian Magics, Alchemical Medicine Lineage Magics, Western Pagan Crafting Traditions, Germanic Occultism, Memphis-Misraim, Martinism, Gnosticism, Eastern Mysteries Traditions of Sanātana VedicDharma, BuddhaDharma, Taoism, Bön & Dzogchen
   
Global & Indigenous Lineages: Tribal Traditions, Ancient Sumerian Rites, African Diasporic Practices, Native American Tribal Spirituality, Tibetan Buddhism.
   
Magical Arts & Healing Sciences: Reiki, Pranic Healing, Angelic Magic,
Fey & Fairy Magic, Astral Work, Alchemical Medicines.  

Esoteric Realms: Lucid Dreaming, Sorcery, the Astral & Aetheric Planes,
Near-Death Experiences, Spiritually Transformative Experiences, and the
Divinational Arts of Tarot, Oracle, Runes, Astrology, Geomancy,
Pendulum, Palmistry, Channeling & Mediumship.