Full disclosure: I have been a patron of Magus for over 15 years through the three locations. I have taken many classes there and have a personal relationship with the owners. However I am not receiving anything for this review.
Magus Books and Herbs was founded in 1992, to a small location in Dinkytown, which is a neighborhood near the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. In the years since, the store has expanded into larger locations, and owners have changed. It moved to the current location off Central Ave because Dinkytown development has pushed out anything unique in the college neighborhood.
The book selection is wide ranging, and staff are always more than willing to help you find information on a specific topic. Besides selling books, Magus has a good collection of loose leaf herbs after the return of the herb wall, essential oils, divination tools, cool stuff for your altar, and alternative religion bling. They also have a selection of items from local crafters.
A constant through all locations has been Magus’s role as a community gathering place. The current location has a marked improvement with a larger community room for events. Over the years, Magus has hosted notable authors including Raymond Buckland (braving the crowded store was worth it to hear him say “Uncle Bucky’s Big Blue Book”) and Raven Grimassi in the Dinkytown location. More recently the new location has seen authors like Kelden. Classes offered have ranged from the practical—herbs for egg dying—to general pagan topics like tarot to in depth classes of different traditions. Herbalist Liz has taught a series of in depth herbal classes, which are a great foundation for the aspiring herbalist.
Pre-Covid, co-owner Mela did massages and co-owner Liz did herbal consults. They also had a wide variety of readers, including things like aura photo. Currently Liz has resumed doing consults and there are in person readers occasionally available, but check the Facebook page for updated availability and hours.
The customer appreciation program is the Circle of Magi. If you spend $50 you get the red Magus Bag of wonders, which is a reusable tote that gives a discount. Unless, of course, you always forget to bring it like I do.
For now some of the store’s downsides are Covid related. Availability of certain herbs can be spotty. If you’re looking for something specific, call ahead to ask if they have it and how much. They will also set herbs aside for you so you could spend more time browsing when you arrive.
One downside that has stayed constant is parking. The current location has a small lot in the back that can be hard to navigate, especially in winter. If they are having an event get there early or carpool. It is Minneapolis so I’m not sure if you can expect much better. At least there is some off street parking available.
The Magus website also could use some updates. They have items not listed on their website so calling or emailing for something specific is a good idea. The pandemic has meant a suspension of events and classes for now, so hopefully on the other side there will be a Magus party. As there will be everywhere.