Entry No. 43 — the Philadelphia file — filed under: witch shop
The 8th House
A small, indie 'ethical witchy vibes' shop co-owned by Sara Calvarese in Point Breeze that doubles as a South Philly community hub — it's co-hosted the neighborhood's nostalgia-drenched 'Grown-Ass Book Fair' with nearby bookshop Latchkey.
The story
You don't usually expect a metaphysical storefront to be run by someone with an MBA, but that's precisely the quiet rigor behind The 8th House on South 17th Street. Co-owned by astrologer, author, and deck creator Sara Calvarese, this Point Breeze shop operates at the intersection of modern radical occultism and independent publishing. Instead of mass-market novelty trinkets, the shelves focus on ethically sourced goods, indie supplies, and original tarot and oracle decks illustrated and produced right here in Philadelphia.
It's less of a traditional storefront and more of a hyper-local neighborhood anchor. The 8th House regularly turns its space and street presence into a South Philly community hub, famously teaming up with nearby bookshop Latchkey to throw the 'Grown-Ass Book Fair'—a nostalgia trip that resurrects 1990s Scholastic fair energy for adults. Between witchy pop-ins and neighborhood collaborations, it grounds astrological work squarely in concrete Point Breeze.
What it's like
Step up to 1649 South 17th Street and you'll find a sleek, tightly curated room where self-published decks, indie apothecary goods, and crystals share space with digital downloads and local creations. It feels more like visiting an artist's working studio than a retail store. The catch: hours can be variable and card readings with Sara are often booked virtually or scheduled during distinct event pop-ins, so check their current calendar online before you walk down the block expecting an impromptu reading.
The move: Pop in for crystals and oracle decks, then check their events calendar — between witchy pop-ins and book-fair collaborations with Latchkey down the street, there's usually a reason to make an afternoon of Point Breeze's small-shop strip.
- 📍 Point Breeze
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 1649 S 17th St, Philadelphia, PA 19145
Hours: Added 2026-07-19 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- Garland of Letters Bookstore — Compare South Street's 1970s New Age institution with Point Breeze's modern, self-published metaphysical space.
- Rittenhouse Astronomical Society — Columbus Square star parties — Pair the astrological deck design inside The 8th House with an evening spent looking at actual planets through amateur telescopes at Columbus Square.
- Mario Lanza Institute and Museum — Swap tarot and crystals for a rowhouse packed with a 1950s opera star's teenage boxing gloves just half a mile east.
Good to know
Who is behind The 8th House?
The shop is co-owned by Sara Calvarese, a Philadelphia astrologer, deck illustrator, author, and MBA who creates original tarot and oracle decks.
What kinds of items do they sell?
They specialize in indie tarot and oracle decks, ethically made goods, crystals, digital downloads, and modern esoteric supplies.
Can I get a walk-in tarot reading at the shop?
Readings are primarily booked online or held during special event pop-ins, so book ahead on their website rather than planning on a walk-in.
What is the Grown-Ass Book Fair?
It is a popular, nostalgia-themed neighborhood book fair co-hosted by The 8th House and nearby Point Breeze bookshop Latchkey.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · inquirer.com · Reddit
last checked: 2026-07-19