Walk down Broadway in Long Beach and you'll find plenty of coffee shops and vintage boutiques. But tucked away at 3314 East Broadway is something different. It's a place that smells of frankincense and old paper. It’s called Eye of the Cat Long Beach CA, and honestly, it’s one of the few remaining "old school" occult shops that hasn't traded its soul for a TikTok aesthetic.
Most people walk in expecting a costume shop. They’re usually wrong. This isn't where you go for a plastic wand or a cheap Cape. It’s where you go when you're looking for genuine supplies for spiritual work, folk magic, or just a really high-quality stick of incense that won't give you a headache. It has been a staple of the Long Beach community since the mid-70s. That’s a long time to keep the candles burning.
What Actually Happens Inside Eye of the Cat Long Beach CA?
You walk in. The floorboards might creak a little. Immediately, you’re hit with the scent—a thick, heady mix of hundreds of different dried herbs and custom-blended oils. Unlike the sanitized, "corporate" metaphysical stores popping up in malls lately, this place feels lived-in. It feels like it has secrets.
The shop was founded by Kelly and her late husband, Jack, back in 1974. Think about that for a second. They’ve survived the "Satanic Panic" of the 80s, the rise of the internet, and a global pandemic. You don't stay in business that long by faking it. People come here for the knowledge.
The Famous Custom Candles
The centerpiece of the shop? The candles. But they aren't just your standard pillars. They specialize in "fixed" candles. This is a process where a practitioner dresses a candle with specific oils and herbs tailored to a goal—maybe you’re looking for a new job, or perhaps you just need some peace in a chaotic house.
They do the work right there. You’ll see the staff carving symbols or names into the wax with a steady hand. It’s a craft. You can’t just download that kind of expertise.
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Herbs, Roots, and Curios
If you look at the walls, you’ll see jars. Lots of jars. They carry stuff you can't just find at Whole Foods. We’re talking about:
- High John the Conqueror root
- Mugwort for vivid dreaming
- Dragon’s Blood resin
- Graveyard dirt (yes, really, and it’s used in specific protection rites)
It’s a library of botanical magic. They have over 300 different herbs in stock at any given time. If you’re a practitioner of Hoodoo, Wicca, or Santería, this is basically your hardware store.
Why Long Beach Residents Keep Coming Back
It's the vibe. It’s weirdly welcoming. You’d think a shop dedicated to the occult might be intimidating or elitist, but the staff at Eye of the Cat Long Beach CA are surprisingly down-to-earth. They aren't there to judge your path. They’re there to help you find the right tool.
I’ve seen people in there who look like your typical suburban grandma standing right next to a guy covered in tattoos and leather. Magic—or spirituality, or whatever you want to call it—is a great equalizer.
Classes and Community
The shop isn't just a retail space; it’s a classroom. They’ve been known to host workshops on everything from Tarot basics to the history of the occult. It’s one of the few places where you can actually talk to someone who has been practicing for forty years. In an era where "experts" are made in fifteen-second video clips, that depth of experience is basically a superpower.
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The Resident Cats
You can't have a shop called Eye of the Cat without actual cats. They are the unofficial mascots and, let’s be real, the true owners of the building. They roam the aisles with that specific feline arrogance that says, "I was here before you, and I’ll be here after you leave." It adds to the atmosphere. It makes the place feel like a home rather than a business.
The Misconceptions About Occult Shops
Let’s clear something up. A lot of people hear "occult" and think of horror movies. They think of dark basements and scary rituals.
The reality is much more mundane and, frankly, more beautiful. Most people visiting Eye of the Cat Long Beach CA are just looking for a way to feel more in control of their lives. They want a candle to help them focus while studying. They want an oil that reminds them of a lost loved one. It’s about intention.
It's also a hub for historical preservation. They carry books that are hard to find elsewhere—grimoires, historical texts on folk medicine, and niche philosophical works. It’s a resource for researchers and the curious alike.
Navigating the Shop: A Quick Guide for Newbies
If you've never been, it can be overwhelming. Here’s how to handle it without feeling like a total outsider:
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- Don't touch the fixed candles. If you see a candle burning in the back or on an altar, leave it alone. Those are often being burned for specific clients.
- Ask for help. The staff knows where every tiny bottle of oil is hidden. Just describe what you're looking for.
- Respect the space. It’s a place of business, but for many, it’s also a sacred space. Keep your voice at a reasonable level.
- Check the hours. They aren't open 24/7. Usually, they close up around 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM, and they might be closed on certain holidays. Always call ahead if you’re driving from out of town.
The Legacy of Kelly and the Future of the Shop
Kelly is a legend in the Long Beach community. She’s seen the neighborhood change around her. The Pike is gone, the downtown has been revitalized, and through it all, Eye of the Cat has remained.
There’s a certain resilience in that. In a world that is becoming increasingly digital and disconnected, a brick-and-mortar shop filled with physical, earthy things feels radical. You can’t smell an oil through a screen. You can’t feel the weight of a crystal on a website. You have to be there.
Actionable Steps for Your First Visit
If you're planning a trip to Eye of the Cat Long Beach CA, don't just rush in and out. Make a day of it.
- Bring a List: It’s easy to get distracted by the shiny stones and the rows of books. If you need something specific like "Life Everlasting" herb or a blue 7-day candle, write it down.
- Park on a Side Street: Parking on Broadway can be a nightmare. Look for spots on the residential streets nearby, but watch the signs for street sweeping.
- Check Out the Neighborhood: After you get your supplies, walk down to The Library Coffee House or grab a bite at one of the local spots on 4th Street (Retro Row).
- Support Local: Buy a book or a small charm. Small businesses like this rely on the community to keep the lights on, and you’re getting a piece of Long Beach history in return.
- Consult the Experts: If you're going for a specific spiritual reason, ask if they have any practitioners available for consultations or if they can recommend a specific reading.
This shop is a treasure. Whether you believe in the mystical properties of a root or you just appreciate the historical significance of a 50-year-old local business, it's worth the visit. It’s a reminder that even in a high-tech world, we still have a deep, human need for ritual, scent, and a little bit of mystery.
Next time you’re in Long Beach, skip the mall. Go find the cat. You might just find exactly what you didn't know you were looking for.