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ESOTERIC CENTRE

UPCOMING EVENTS

HISTORY OF WATKINS

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On finally discovering WATKINS ESOTERIC CENTRE in the heart of London’s theatre land some people may find themselves questioning what exactly an “Esoteric Centre” is. In fact what is most important about the name is that tells us what No.13 Cecil Court isn’t. It’s not just a shop. Instead it’s the meeting point, the “Centre”, of various lines of spiritual and religious enquiry. It’s a place where magic meets therapy and divination meets sacred ritual. It’s a place where the original Watkins brothers’ interest in diverse cultures and love of knowledge can be expressed, just as it was when they founded the bookshop in 1894. Along with the original bookshop, Watkins Esoteric Centre welcomes people of many paths and none, of religious affiliation and of secular interest, and enquiring minds of any age.

The Esoteric Centre came into existence when the interest in CDs, Tarot Decks, and crystals outgrew the space available in the bookshop. The decision was taken initially to buy No.13 Cecil Court; a stone's throw from the original shop. This in time also proved insufficient and No.15 was purchased. Much time and money was invested to develop the Centre as a place for psychic readings, therapies and courses to be held. Downstairs in No.13 a workshop room was created, which is now hired out by private groups for courses on subjects such as Tarot reading, Wicca, meditation and forms of Reiki. In No.15 small reading rooms and a dedicated therapy room with bed, were built.

On the shop floor itself many changes occurred. Most noticeably, as space increased so did the variety of goods offered. There are religious images, statues, posters and postcards of gods and goddesses from Hindu, Buddhist and Pagan traditions. In the audio-visual section we have music from around the world as well as self-help teachings, books on tapes and videos on subjects from Creative Visualisation to Yoga.
We carry a large selection of oils, flower essences, incenses, candles, and animal essences. We have a large crystal section, which ranges “from rare unique visually striking centrepieces to the popular and inexpensive humble tumbled stone”.

However, this fantastic diversity of stock also requires a wide-ranging knowledge of the fields covered. At Watkins Esoteric Centre we are extremely fortunate to have found staff that are not only extremely knowledgeable, but also have a genuine love of these subjects. They include, but are not limited to: Buddhism, Wicca and Paganism, Crystals, Hinduism, Yoga, the Bible and Sufism. Our members of staff are always happy to spare a few minutes to help answer any queries about stock or its uses.

The Esoteric Centre staff are also committed to helping those customers who cannot make it to the shop in person. We have an excellent mail order service and staff are happy to advise you and discuss your requirements over the phone. If it is an audio-visual request and we do not have the stock available we can try to order it for you and arrange for it to be delivered straight to your address. However, with some items it is advisable to visit the shop, particularly for crystals, which can be extremely personal. For CDs, tapes and videos we have the equipment available for you to try them before purchase.