Entry No. 2 — the Portland file — filed under: witchy
Blackthorn Mercantile
A mystic supply shop that converted from a children's boutique in 2020 and now runs its own Blackthorn Mystery School out of the event room — five instructor 'pathways' (The Alchemist, The Oracle, The Keeper, The Flame, The Architect) teaching Hindu, Celtic, Slavic, Italian, Egyptian, and English magical traditions, including a class literally called 'Rituals for Alchemy & Shadow Work.'
The story
In 2020, owner Lisa Stanger quietly pivoted what had been a kids' boutique on North Williams Avenue into Blackthorn Mercantile—trading stuffed animals for altar supplies, curated houseplants, and occult tools. On the surface, you'll find local artisan goods, crystals, and dark-hued home decor, but the store's real engine sits behind the shop floor in its dedicated back event space.
That event room houses the Blackthorn Mystery School, an unexpectedly rigorous spiritual education program structured around five specific instructor pathways: The Alchemist, The Oracle, The Keeper, The Flame, and The Architect. Rather than vague wellness fluff, the curriculum digs into distinct traditions—Hindu, Celtic, Slavic, Italian, Egyptian, and English magic. Co-founder Deliah Alexandra runs year-round tarot training here alongside drop-in sessions with names like 'Rituals for Alchemy & Shadow Work.'
What it's like
Inside, the space balances a airy, plant-filled aesthetic with dark wood, dried botanicals, and rows of ritual supplies. You'll likely see neighborhood locals browsing ritual tools alongside drop-in students ducking into the back room for an evening workshop. It's welcoming rather than intimidating, though class seats in the event room fill up fast, so check their schedule ahead of time.
The move: Sign up together for a Mystery School drop-in class — co-founder Deliah Alexandra teaches tarot readers there year-round — then debrief over coffee at one of the goth cafés that have clustered on N Williams since.
- 📍 Eliot, North Portland
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 3954 N Williams Ave, Portland, OR 97227
Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current hours before you go.
⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.
Pair it with
- Paxton Gate PDX — Take a short walk west to Mississippi Avenue to pair your altar supplies with ethically sourced taxidermy, pinned insects, and botanical oddities.
- Botanica La Sirena — Head east to Alberta to contrast Blackthorn's mystery-school approach with a working Orisha-tradition botanica specializing in candle dressing and spiritual supplies.
- McMenamins Chapel Pub — Head north for a post-class pint inside a converted 1930s funeral chapel complete with its original pipe organ.
Good to know
What is the Blackthorn Mystery School?
It's the shop's dedicated educational wing offering structured courses and drop-in classes across five study pathways (The Alchemist, The Oracle, The Keeper, The Flame, and The Architect), covering magical traditions from Celtic and Slavic to Italian and Egyptian systems.
Can I get a tarot reading or take a class without long-term commitment?
Yes. Co-founder Deliah Alexandra offers tarot sessions and instruction year-round, and the shop regularly hosts single-session drop-in classes in the back event space.
Where on N Williams is it located?
You'll find it at 3954 N Williams Ave in the Eliot neighborhood of North Portland. Always double-check their current store hours online before making the trip.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · wweek.com · opb.org
last checked: 2026-07-20