Entry No. 14 — the Santa Fe file — filed under: witchy
Ark Books
A metaphysical bookstore that's occupied a renovated adobe on Romero Street since founder Joan Aon opened it in 1982 with the mission to 'provide sanctuary for spiritual seekers' — the shop's guiding motto, still posted, is simply 'Love is the Bottom Line.' Ownership passed to Arielle and Jamil Kilbride and then in 2011 to current co-owner Tsering Tsomo, but the shelves of astrology, tarot, crystal-guide, and smudge-kit inventory have kept the same hushed, incense-scented character for over forty years.
The story
You don't just stumble into 133 Romero Street; you duck off the main thoroughfares of the Guadalupe District into a quiet residential alley where a renovated adobe house has sheltered Santa Fe's esoteric community since 1982. Founder Joan Aon opened the doors with a singular directive—to 'provide sanctuary for spiritual seekers'—and posted a guiding motto on the wall that still sets the tone today: 'Love is the Bottom Line.'
The shop's stewardship has shifted over four decades—passing from Aon to Arielle and Jamil Kilbride, before co-owner Tsering Tsomo took over management in 2011. Yet step inside and the atmosphere remains remarkably untouched by time. Low adobe ceilings trap a permanent haze of burning incense, and narrow doorways lead through former residential rooms packed with astrology volumes, smudge kits, gemstone jewelry, and raw crystal specimens.
What it's like
Expect a hushed, multi-room walk through an authentic adobe home where every corner opens into another stocked alcove. It's built for slow-paced browsing—give yourself time to study the extensive wall of tarot and oracle decks, or book a session with in-store reader Dennis if you're looking for extra insight. Keep your purchases intentional: all in-store returns are strictly for store credit or exchange within 15 days, and require your original receipt.
The move: Browse the crowded tarot and oracle deck wall together, each pick a deck blind, then book the in-store 'Tarot Reading with Dennis' session and compare draws over coffee at a nearby Guadalupe St. cafe afterward.
- 📍 Downtown Santa Fe (Guadalupe/Railyard District)
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 133 Romero St, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- Jean Cocteau Cinema — After browsing esoteric texts on Romero Street, walk two blocks into the Railyard District to catch an indie film and a craft drink at George R.R. Martin's revival theater.
- form & concept — Contrast the mystical, hand-curated atmosphere of the Ark with a short stroll over to this nearby converted warehouse gallery dedicated to avant-garde craft.
- The Matador — Balance the quiet, incense-scented sanctuary of the adobe shop by ducking half a mile east into this dark, cash-only subterranean dive bar.
Good to know
Where is Ark Books located?
The shop is located at 133 Romero Street in the Guadalupe/Railyard District of downtown Santa Fe.
What type of inventory does Ark Books carry?
They specialize in metaphysical titles, astrology books, crystal guides, tarot and oracle decks, smudge kits, gemstones, and spiritual jewelry.
Can you get a tarot reading at the store?
Yes, Ark Books offers in-store tarot readings (including sessions with reader Dennis), though scheduling should be confirmed directly with the shop prior to your visit.
What is the store's return policy?
All in-store returns are for store credit or exchange only within 15 days of purchase, and you must present your receipt.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · railyardsantafe.com
last checked: 2026-07-20