Occult Pop-Up The occult pop-up trend has taken the world by storm in recent years. These temporary shops, often found in trendy urban areas, offer a variety of mystical and esoteric items for sale, catering to a growing interest in spirituality and the occult. One of the main draws of these pop-ups is the wide range of products available. From tarot cards and crystals to spell books and ritual tools, customers can find just about anything related to the mystical arts. Many of these items are beautifully crafted and imbued with symbolism, making them both visually appealing and spiritually significant. The rise of the occult pop-up can be attributed to a number of factors.
The rise of the occult pop-up can be attributed to a number of factors. Firstly, there has been a general increase in interest in spirituality and alternative belief systems in recent years. People are looking for meaning and purpose beyond traditional religions, and the occult offers a way to explore these ideas in a non-traditional manner.
At Bearded Lady’s Mystic Museum, lovers of witchcraft and the occult gather to cast spells—and buy art
According to Mystic Dylan, I’m destined to be a star. I’ll live a nomadic lifestyle and I’ll have one great love. For $10, Mystic Dylan—the in-house palm reader and psychic at Bearded Lady’s Mystic Museum—reads my right palm in a quick five minutes inside the Burbank, California museum.
The Mystic Museum, which is nestled between a wine bar and a pet spa on Magnolia Street, is a lot of things. It’s a place for palm readings. But it’s also a museum full of occult and macabre things, like ouija boards and ancient mummy skulls. It’s an oddities store, pop-up exhibit, art gallery, and home to the meetings of Club Coven, an association of non-denominational witches.
“It’s like Girl Scouts for witches—but for adults,” says Erick Wessel, owner of the 7-year-old museum and a self-described witch. He is happy to share the history of the museum as the nearby television plays reruns of The Addams Family, casting a warm glow on the tattoos spiraling up his neck.
Eric Wessel, owner of Bearded Lady’s Mystic Museum.| Photo: Paige Skinner
The museum’s current exhibit, Family Goals, is an ode to the Munsters and the Addams Family. As soon as I enter the museum, my eyes are drawn to a DRAG-U-LA boxcar in the center of the space. Wessel—who in a past life was an electrician, an apartment remodeler, and chef—says he built the DRAG-U-LA replica himself.
“I’m really meticulous, so it looks like the original,” Wessel says. “Then it takes about four to five days straight to build it.”
As Elvis’ “Viva Las Vegas” blares over the speakers, I scan the art hung on the blood red walls. There are drawings and paintings, and most are spooky family-themed. Wessel says the art comes from local, national, and international artists—and it’s all for sale.
- A DRAG-U-LA boxcar replica built by Wessel. | Photo: Paige Skinner
- A skeleton and the Wicked Witch of the West tell your fortune. | Photo: Paige Skinner
- The Addams Family plays on a loop at Bearded Lady’s. | Photo:
- Addams Family oddities. | Photo: Paige Skinner
- “The truth is out there.” | Photo: Paige Skinner
- Addams Family paintings for sale. | Photo: Paige Skinner
There’s a Cousin Itt replica to my right, and a staircase that rises up when you step on a button hidden in the floor. The space is abundantly Instagram-friendly, and there are signs everywhere reminding you to tag the museum when you (inevitably) post your photos on social media.
Additionally, the internet has played a major role in spreading knowledge about the occult and making it more accessible to the general public. Online communities and social media platforms have allowed people to connect with like-minded individuals and share information and resources. This has helped to create a sense of community and support for those interested in the occult, and has also contributed to the popularity of the pop-up trend. In terms of aesthetics, occult pop-ups often have a dark and mystical atmosphere. Many feature dim lighting, incense, and other sensory elements that create an immersive experience for customers. The overall vibe is often described as mysterious and otherworldly, appealing to those with a fascination for the unknown. While some may view the occult pop-up trend as nothing more than a passing fad, others see it as a cultural shift towards a more open and inclusive exploration of spirituality. By embracing these alternative belief systems, individuals are able to find their own sense of meaning and purpose in a way that resonates with them personally. In conclusion, the occult pop-up trend is a reflection of society's evolving interest in spirituality and the occult. It offers a wide range of products for those looking to explore these esoteric realms and provides a sense of community and support for those interested in alternative belief systems. Whether seen as a passing fad or a cultural shift, the occult pop-up trend is undoubtedly making its mark on the retail landscape..
Reviews for "The Curious Appeal of Occult Pop Up Experiences"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really excited to check out the "Occult pop up" as I'm interested in the topic, but I was extremely disappointed. The whole experience felt gimmicky and forced. The merchandise seemed cheap and overpriced, and the "occult" elements felt more like a caricature than authentic representations. The staff lacked knowledge and enthusiasm, making the whole event feel like a cash grab. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone truly interested in the occult.
2. Mike - 1 star - As someone with a deep appreciation for the occult, I found the "Occult pop up" to be a complete letdown. It felt like a half-hearted attempt to capitalize on the trendy occult aesthetics without offering any substantial or meaningful experiences. The workshops promised interesting topics, but they were poorly organized and lacked any real depth. The merchandise available was mostly generic and didn't reflect the intricacies and beauty of the occult world. Overall, I found it to be a shallow and superficial event that did a disservice to the occult community.
3. Emily - 2 stars - The "Occult pop up" was a disappointment. The atmosphere tried too hard to be edgy and mysterious, but it came off as more tacky than anything else. The event lacked a cohesive theme or direction, making it feel like a mishmash of unrelated elements. The workshops and talks were poorly executed, with presenters who seemed ill-prepared and unenthusiastic. The merchandise booths were disorganized, and many products were overpriced for the quality offered. Overall, it was an underwhelming experience that I wouldn't attend again.
4. John - 1 star - The "Occult pop up" was a complete waste of time and money. It felt more like a poorly planned flea market than a dedicated event for occult enthusiasts. The vendors lacked expertise and the variety of products was limited. The ambiance was more cheesy than eerie, and the spiritual workshops felt like New Age fluff. I expected a more authentic and immersive experience, but all I got was disappointment. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who truly appreciates the occult and its intricacies.
5. Laura - 2 stars - I attended the "Occult pop up" with high expectations, but unfortunately, it fell short. The event lacked a sense of depth and reverence for the occult. The organizers seemed more focused on creating a trendy atmosphere than providing valuable experiences for attendees. The workshops and talks provided little substance, with speakers who seemed uninformed and uninterested in their subjects. The merchandise available was mainly generic and uninspiring, failing to capture the essence of the occult. It was a missed opportunity to create a truly engaging and educational experience for occult enthusiasts.