Hermetic Arts Learning Center — Local services in Salem

This review details both the shop itself (located on Essex Street) as well as the fabulous and top-notch classes offered at their learning annex located on Boston Street.

I’ll start by talking about the classes, which are an absolute MUST because they’re the real deal and, without any disrespect intended, far exceed anything else offered by peer organizations in Salem. These days there’s no shortage of classes available that address various topics in the occult, they can be engaging and informative, but it’s rare for them to be taught by real practicing magicians/astrologers/etc. whose knowledge comes from long-standing traditions and methods. Without going into specifics, I attended a class on Ars Goetia a while back, and some of the information presented was the “hidden” kind that only a deeply knowledgeable practitioner would be familiar with. Combine this with an engaging teaching style and one has the making of a world-class seminar. Same goes for an astrology class that I attended recently, which far exceeded my already high expectations regarding subject matter, delivery, and depth of insight.

I’ve been going to the shop for a few years now, and I stumbled on it rather fortuitously when looking for materials/reading related to ceremonial magick (Golden Dawn, etc.). Having visited nearly every occult shop in Salem, Hermetic Arts is THE place to go if you’re looking for one-of-a-kind items related to several magickal disciplines outside from basic witchcraft accessories. Although they do have a good collection of witchcraft items (stones, chime candles, etc.), what always impresses me is the very well cultivated collection of books (some of which are rare, out of print or first editions), items such as Solomonic pentacles made by real practicing ceremonial magicians following the procedures outlined in the Greater Key of Solomon, and of course the owners/staff who are knowledgeable, genuine, and dedicated to what they do and spreading their deep...

Rude owner. Got scolded like a child for touching a necklace, then for taking a photo, neither of which had a sign stating those rules. Only sign I saw was "ask for help" and "do not touch the book," referring to the book the necklace was hanging on. I was actually going to purchase some things there but that went out the window. I recommend shopping at the tons of other stores in Salem where the staff actually isn't miserable. Also, your personal readings at this location are completely within earshot of other customers, so don't expect your conversation to be private.

RESPONSE TO (PROBABLY) OWNER:

To respond to your sarcastic content about the necklace signage, if it simply said "don't touch" I wouldn't have touched anything. But it specifically mentioned the book, so I wanted to be respectful and tried not to touch the book itself. As for taking the photo, that's on me, I was just not in the mood to look all around your store for a list of rules. All in all, your level of communication was demeaning and rude. I know I'm just some tourist that you roll your eyes to, but simply being NICE in that situation would have come across a...

We were sold a statue that was represented to be bronze. It was resin and for 80 dollars, it was not worth the price.

We brought it back in its original packaging and explained it was not as he had represented it. The owner flatly stated he did not take returns.

A piece of advice: Examine your merchandise so you know what you're selling. Arrogance only works if you're actually correct—though it still makes you look like a tool.

UPDATED RESPONSE TO BUSINESS'S REPLY:

--A receipt was not given and it was our mistake for not requesting one. Why did you not offer a receipt for an 80-dollar sale?

--At no time was the word "resin" used in describing the item before the sale. When you tell me that an item is cold-cast bronze, omitting "resin" in the item's description is patently unethical.

--We left the item in your possession and will be working with our credit card company to reverse the charge. You've made this far more difficult for everyone concerned, considering you'll probably turn around and resell it to someone else who hears the words "cold cast bronze" but should know actually that means...