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Some old churches in New Jersey become offices, and some become apartments. One in Montclair took a far more unusual path.
Its pews and quiet halls have made way for shelves of crystals, handmade intention candles, tarot decks, and body oils mixed right on site. The building still carries its long history in town, but these days people come for readings, moon gatherings, and workshops on everything from meditation to mediumship.
Some shoppers drive two hours just to spend an afternoon inside. Others show up curious, knowing nothing about crystals, and leave with a greeting card and a new favorite stop.
Keep reading to learn what sits behind those old church doors, which classes draw the biggest crowds, when the shop is open, and why so many locals call it their third place.
A Spellbinding Address on Glenridge Avenue
Every town has a building people slow down to look at, and in Montclair it might be this one. Houss Freya Apothecary sits at 205 Glenridge Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042, inside a former church in New Jersey.
The shop is listed as a metaphysical supply store. That label covers a lot of ground, from crystals and incense to books, jewelry, and handcrafted candles.
Readings and classes are part of the picture too. Tarot, astrology, Reiki, and mediumship all have a home under the same roof.
The building itself does a fair bit of recruiting. Some shoppers say they were simply walking by with a friend when the striking church front pulled them inside.
Once indoors, the setup feels part shop, part gathering place. People come to restock supplies, book a session with a reader, or sign up for an evening workshop.
It also fits neatly into a walkable Montclair outing. Other small businesses sit just down the street, which makes it easy to turn one stop into a whole afternoon.
So what happens when a place built for worship becomes a home for crystals and candles? The answer starts with the building’s long history in town.
From Steeple Days to Shop Shelves
Old buildings rarely get a second act this colorful. The church that now houses the shop has stood in town for generations, long enough that many longtime residents grew up with it on the skyline.
Houss Freya did not start here. The business has a loyal following that goes back five or six years, and this church marks a newer chapter for it.
Fans describe the current location as a fitting expansion. The larger space gives the team more room for products, readers, and the events that keep the calendar full.
The renovation kept the character of the building in focus. Arches, tall ceilings, and church architecture remain part of the experience rather than being hidden away.
That choice gives the shop a sense of place that a strip mall storefront could never match. The history of the building and the purpose of the business seem to work together.
Some regulars even joke that it has become their second church. Given the address, the line lands with a wink.
History explains the walls, but the real fun starts with what fills them.
Gothic Style With a Museum Feel
Gothic, medieval, museum-like. Those are the words that come up again and again when people describe the interior.
The owners clearly put serious effort into the design. Artwork covers the space, and the layout turns a shopping trip into a small adventure into spirituality and mystery.
Even people with zero interest in metaphysical practice find it worth a look. The decor alone is a reason to step inside for a few minutes.
The store is also thoughtfully organized. Shelves are laid out so browsing feels easy rather than overwhelming, which matters in a shop holding this many kinds of items.
Families often get brought along just to see the space. More than one regular has introduced relatives to the shop simply because of how striking it is.
Around Halloween, the Gothic look gets extra mileage. Seasonal decorations and fun finds make it a popular stop for anyone dressing up a home for October.
The rest of the year, the style stays put, so there is never a bad season to admire the artwork. Still, the design is only the frame, and the shelves deserve a closer look.
Candles Made With a Purpose
Candles are the star of the show here, and it is not close. They come up more than any other item when people talk about the shop.
Many of them are handmade intention candles. Each one is crafted around a specific goal or theme, and the team pours a lot of care into making them.
Some customers say the candles alone keep them coming back on a regular schedule. That is a strong vote for a product that burns down by design.
The staff, including owner Daysi and a group of curanderas, put intention into everything they create. That personal touch is a big part of the appeal.
New shoppers do not need to know the meaning behind every candle to enjoy them. Employees are happy to explain options and help match a candle to what someone hopes to focus on.
Prices span a wide range, so a small purchase and a larger haul are both realistic. That variety makes the candle shelf a popular place for gift hunting too.
Light is only half the story, though, because the bath and body section has its own fan club.
Oils, Washes, and a Little Aura Armor
Self-care gets a spiritual upgrade in the body product section. Body oils, roller oils, intention body washes, shower melts, balms, and soaps all line the shelves.
A lot of these are made in the store. That in-house production is one reason shoppers trust the quality so much.
One oil called Aura Armor has a particularly devoted following. At least one fan has asked for it in gallon tubs, which says plenty.
Smudge sprays are another big seller. A blend called Sacred Space gets frequent praise, and a scented perfume named Baby Witch has its own admirers.
Regulars describe the bath products as hydrating and premium. Some build full home rituals around them, combining washes, oils, and an Epsom salt soak.
Shower melts round out the lineup for people who prefer quick routines. They sit right beside the candles on many shopping lists.
It is easy to walk in for one bottle and leave with three. Consider that a friendly warning before the herb station comes into view.
The Herb Station Behind the Apothecary Name
The word apothecary in the name is not just decoration. The shop has an apothecary station where herbs can be mixed.
That hands-on corner sets the store apart from shops that only stock prepackaged goods. It ties back to the in-house approach behind the balms, soaps, and oils.
Limpiezas, or cleansing materials, are also available. These connect to the curandera traditions that shape much of what the staff creates.
Loose incense is another quiet favorite. One shopper went in curious, got steered toward it by an employee, and now uses it as part of a nightly meditation routine.
Staff guidance matters a lot in this section. Not everyone knows which herbs or cleansing tools suit their goals, and the team is known for patient explanations.
The result feels practical rather than mysterious. Shoppers leave with a clear idea of how to use what they bought.
Herbs handle the cleansing side of things. For something to hold, wear, or keep on a shelf, the crystal displays are next.
Crystals, Cards, and Clever Gifts
Rocks rarely get this much attention, but here they earn it. Crystals fill a good portion of the shop, and shoppers often call the selection beautiful.
Tarot cards are a big draw too. Several people have left with a new deck, and the card selection gets steady praise.
Books cover a range of spiritual topics. They sit alongside jewelry pieces that work for both rituals and everyday wear.
There is also clothing, which surprises some first-timers. Greeting cards add a low-key option for anyone who wants a small souvenir.
All of this makes the shop a handy spot for gifts. Even people who know little about metaphysical arts say they now look here first for presents with a unique twist.
Price points vary widely across the store. A modest budget can still find something meaningful.
Shopping is only part of the visit, though. The real conversation starters happen at the reading tables.
Readings That Keep the Calendar Booked
Plenty of shops sell tarot decks. Fewer have skilled readers right on site, and that is a major reason people travel here.
Services include tarot, birth chart, astral cartography, aura, psychic, and mediumship readings. The menu gives curious guests plenty of choices.
Prices depend on the type of reading and the reader selected. It is smart to ask staff about current rates before booking.
One reader, Astro Papi, has a particularly loyal client list. People praise his honest approach, his insight with very little background information, and his advice on spiritual tools.
The other readers get warm words as well. Some guests describe the whole team of readers as golden.
A reading here can be a first step for someone new to the practice. It can also be a regular check-in for those who have been exploring for years.
Readings offer one-on-one time. For a group setting, the event calendar takes over.
Workshops for Every Curious Mind
Workshops rank among the most talked-about features of the shop. Monthly events keep the schedule lively.
Topics range widely. Intro to Mediumship classes have fans, and an Automatic Writing workshop begins with guided meditation before free writing.
Bigger offerings appear too. A six-hour Reiki certification has run on a Saturday, and Reiki healers visit as part of the lineup.
Cacao ceremonies, moon cycle gatherings, and seasonal celebrations round out the mix. Each event gives people a chance to learn something new in a group.
Many attendees leave feeling inspired and more connected. The classes are described as meaningful and welcoming to every experience level.
The shop’s Instagram account, HoussFreya, is the place to check upcoming workshops. Spots for popular events can fill, so planning ahead helps.
Classes bring strangers together, and that leads straight to the community spirit people mention so often.
A Third Place With Open Doors
Some people head to coffee shops for community. Others head to an old church filled with candles.
Regulars call Houss Freya their third place. The welcome is a big reason why, with staff described as kind, knowledgeable, and genuinely helpful.
Owner Daysi earns special praise for her warmth and vibrant personality. Team members like Marilyn get named for their friendliness as well.
The shop welcomes people of many faiths and backgrounds. A mystic Christian shopper, for example, finds it a comfortable space alongside witches and spiritualists.
Beginners are equally at home. Employees encourage questions and steer newcomers toward products that fit their interests.
The business also gets credit for being community-minded and supportive locally. Its events are considered a thriving part of Montclair’s local scene.
That mix of warmth and openness explains a lot. It also helps answer who will enjoy a visit most.
Who Will Love It Most
Experienced practitioners are an obvious match. The shop stocks tools for rituals, spiritual hygiene, and energy work in one place.
Newcomers fit right in too. Even those who know little about metaphysical arts describe the shop as approachable and beautifully laid out.
Gift shoppers get plenty of mileage here. Candles, jewelry, cards, and books make easy presents with personality.
Architecture fans will want to see the interior. The church setting and artwork reward a slow lap around the room.
Locals in the greater Montclair, Bloomfield, and Oranges area use it as a regular stop. New residents getting to know town also find it a welcoming introduction.
Travelers come from farther away. Some drive two hours and happily make the trip again.
An open mind is the only real requirement. With that in hand, the practical details come next.
Hours, Planning, and a Few Smart Tips
Timing a visit is simple once the weekly rhythm is clear. The shop is closed on Mondays.
Tuesday and Wednesday hours run from 10 AM to 6 PM. Thursday shifts later, from 12 PM to 8 PM, which suits after-work browsing.
Friday stretches from 10 AM to 7 PM. Saturday runs 10 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday goes from 10 AM to 5 PM.
Reading prices vary by service and reader, so asking in advance is wise. Product prices cover a broad range.
The website, houssfreya.com, and the HoussFreya Instagram page are useful for checking events. Workshops such as Reiki certification can be easy to miss without a quick look.
Pairing the trip with other Glenridge Avenue shops makes for a relaxed outing. A nearby bath bomb shop called Dollymoo is a favorite add-on for some.
Planning done, all that remains is the verdict.
Why the Old Church Earns a Visit
Plenty of historic buildings sit empty, waiting for a purpose. This one found a lively new role.
Houss Freya Apothecary holds a 4.9-star standing from more than 200 people, a number that matches the steady enthusiasm around it.
The appeal comes from many layers. Handmade candles, in-house oils, an herb station, crystals, and tarot decks share space with gifted readers and a packed event calendar.
Above all of that sits the building. Gothic decor and the church setting make even a short browse feel special.
Warm staff keep people returning. Many first-timers soon become regulars, and some bring their whole family on the next trip.
Nobody has to believe in every crystal to enjoy an hour inside. Curiosity is enough to make the visit worthwhile.
For a Montclair day trip with a story attached, this former church makes a strong case. Its doors are open six days a week, and the candles are already waiting.
