A desire to create a bilingual community for anyone interested in exploring the philosophy of metaphysics, an explanation of the inherent or universal elements of reality not easily discovered or experienced in daily life, led Shari Rippe-Arjona to open the House of Spirits Mystical Botanika, in Fort Myers. The decision to open wasn’t only about offering a broad selection of items that support the exploration, such as intuitive readings, tarot and oracle decks, oils, incense, candles, books, statues, crystals, reiki, monthly psychic fairs, seances, classes and more.

Rippe-Arjona’s intention is for everyone that walks through her door to feel welcomed and sense the peace that permeates her retail space. “My dream was to have a bilingual shop where you would find a little bit of everything for everyone,” says Rippe-Arjona, who notes that the shop is for long-time metaphysical practitioners, as well as beginners and anyone that is simply curious about metaphysics. 

The Lehigh Acres resident explains that she’s always had an interest in metaphysics, particularly intuition, the spirit world, meditation, and the world’s religions. “My gift of communicating with ancestral spirits is something I inherited. Growing up, I knew that my mom and grandma saw spirits, listened to their intuition and followed it. We didn’t talk about it because it was normal. When I was young the only time I generally got into trouble was when I didn’t listen to my intuition and ancestorial whisperings. After all, if it wasn’t for my wise ancestors, I wouldn’t be here,” says Rippe-Arjona, who prior to opening the shop was in the business of making special occasion, three-dimensional cakes.

Enthusiastic about people learning to trust their instincts and intuition, Rippe-Arjona advises, “People can come here for advice, but at the end of the day, it’s about following their intuition, which is how to strengthen it. It’s like any muscle. Without regular use it atrophies. The good news is that it can be rehabilitated.”

In addition to metaphysical items, House of Spirits offers BioMat therapy, a unique natural approach to pain management and general improvement of overall health and well-being. The BioMat is a revolutionary healing technology that combines the power of infrared rays and negative ions conducted through amethyst, jade and tourmaline crystals to deliver targeted pain relief, blood circulation and support for the immune system. 

House of Spirits Mystical Botanika is located at 12995 S. Cleveland Ave., Ste. 108. For more information, call 239-362-0628 or visit HouseOfSpiritsShop.wixsite.com. See ad on page 46.