Statuettes, Mirror balls Statuettes, mirror balls and much, much more can be found at Enchantments in Boothbay Harbor. (Photo Lisa Kristoff)

Bill Kirby's first thoughts for his shop occurred while meditating in Sedona, Arizona. ``It appeared to me in a vision,'' remembered Bill. Initially, he was undecided about the store's location. Would it be in New Hope, Pennsylvania, Bill's point of origin, or would it be in...Camden? Bill and his family had vacationed in Maine when he was a child and because of his love for the coast he dreamed of having a store in Camden. So, Bill decided to put down a deposit on a one-room store there. On a whim, on his way back to New Hope, he stopped in Boothbay Harbor; coincidentally finding a place to park in front of Evelyn Waite's Realty. Evelyn had just the place for Bill and immediately took him there -- to 16 McKown Street where owner Steve Rubicam just happened to be painting! Fate? Maybe. Luck? Maybe. But, why have one room when you can have eight?

And so, in early April of 1988, Enchantments opened its doors in Boothbay Harbor. Bill's stock contained his ``true loves,'' tarot and crystals as well as wicca and recovery materials. The store was actually part of Bill's healing from his battle with alcoholism: ``I found my growth through metaphysics and my healing. And after that,... a miracle in my own life...I am here to spend the rest of my life sharing with others.''

Enchantments was never intended to be a ``novelty'' shop. It is a source for finding and sharing spirituality. To that end, Enchantments' employees are well-versed in spiritual techniques, like Bill Wylie -- Kirby's business partner for the past two years, or employee Todd Hanson. In season the staff grows to eight or nine to accommodate the demand as well as the day and evening hours. Says Kirby, ``We are constantly sharing (ideas, stories, information) with customers and they share with us. A real important part of this shop to me,'' continued Kirby, ``is starting each morning with a prayer and meditation time. Always have. Always will. That's why it works. Just taking a minute to be grateful and asking for help and guidance, not just for myself, but for everybody.''

Enchantments houses a book room which includes, but is not bound by, the following subjects: astrology, the occult, crystals, angel studies, recovery, numerology, dreams, meditation, I-Ching, fairies, shamanism, runes, tarot, herbs, wicca, Celtic, Native American, Egyptian and Eastern philosophy.

Enchantments is the place to find tarot cards, crystals, sculptures: gargoyles, dragons and wizards; jewelry, clothing, crystal balls, stones, incense and incense holders, fountains, rain sticks, dream catchers, runes, music, Indian blankets and pottery, carved boxes, puzzles, beaded curtains... the list could go on and on -- and does.

And, in 1994, Enchantments welcomed Barbara Balkin. Barbara had left a secretarial position at Bath Iron Works to ``claim her place in the metaphysical community'' and she ``has never looked back.'' Barbara is a psychic and gives readings by appointment or on a walk-in basis during store hours.

By 1997, the eight rooms on McKown Street were no longer roomy and Kirby began searching for more space. Space that may or may not have been in Boothbay Harbor. ``But,'' says Kirby, ``Every time I would get close to moving the shop, something would fall into place here. Like the space at Bravo's.'' Enchantments now occupies some of the space that was once Bravo's. Obtaining this space made it possible to add 10 new display cases. The once buried stock is within view and customers now move around with ease. Thanks to the new location expansion in clothing is what's new in '99: featuring Renaissance clothing -- ``Cinderella'' dresses, cloaks, dressing gowns in velvets and silk, embroidered garments. The back wall of the former ``stage area'' will now be a clothing boutique. Another new addition this year will be teas and pre-packaged herbs for magic and healing. These are specialty herbs such as mandrake and valerian. These additions are, in part, due to customer requests -- if Bill can find it, he'll get it. Occasionally a customer will come in looking for an item or information on a new area in things metaphysical and they will be given a copy of publications such as Spirit of Change, Earth Star or Maine Well Being. These publications are also where Enchantments does most of its advertising. Of course the shop's best advertising is still word of mouth. Enchantments has a loyal regular clientele and new faces are always making an appearance. The age range is from teen to adult with no one area of the store being more popular than another.

In terms of the future, Enchantments has a web site now under construction and should be completed within a year. The site will be: www.enchantments.net. E-mail Enchantments at: WKirby2499@ aol.com. Place a phone order or schedule a psychic reading by calling 207-633-4992. But if you're in town, treat yourself. Experience Enchantments' sensory and spiritual delights first hand! May your soul be awakened.