A Victorian Gothic church from 1896 now sells intention candles packed with crystals, herbs, and essential oils. Yes, the old church on the corner got a magical second act.
I love that sentence more than I probably should.
The candles are only the start. Shelves hold shower melts, loose incense, bath salts, anointing oils, and something called enchanted dust.
I can’t imagine a better place to stock up on mystery.
The lower level hosts classes, workshops, ceremonies, and a dedicated reading room where practitioners offer tarot, mediumship, and Akashic records sessions. This corner of New Jersey clearly takes its curiosity seriously.
The building itself does half the talking. A space built for gathering is still bringing people together, just with more candles.
So what exactly fills those historic walls today?
An 1896 Church Got A Second Life Full Of Candlelight
Old churches usually become condos or event halls. This one became Houss Freya Apothecary, and honestly, that feels like a better fit.
The Victorian Gothic building was constructed in 1896. Many people in town simply call it the old church, which is a pretty great nickname for a magic shop.
Houss Freya moved here in June 2024 from its earlier home on Valley Road. Owner Daysi De Dios shared her pride in moving into a place with such a rich history.
That pride makes sense. A building made for reflection and gathering still serves a similar purpose, just with crystals on the shelves.
The Gothic style adds a lot of drama on its own. Pointed details and old architecture set the mood before you even reach the door.
It also helps that the shop leans into the setting rather than hiding it. The history feels like part of the experience, not a backdrop.
Plan to spend a minute outside before heading in. The exterior deserves a proper look, and your camera will probably agree.
Few shops in New Jersey can claim a building with over a century of stories. Fewer still pair that history with enchanted dust and ritual candles.
The Intention Candles Have A Cult Following For Good Reason
Crystals, herbs, and essential oils all tucked into one candle. That combination explains why these handmade intention candles carry a cult-favorite reputation.
Each candle is designed to support intention work, rituals, meditation, or spell work. You pick a goal, light the wick, and focus your energy on it.
The recipes come from owner Daysi De Dios herself. She works with natural elements and ancestral magic to shape each product line.
Candles are the heart of the shop’s own brand. Much of the main product line is crafted in-house, which adds a personal touch to every jar.
Mini ritual candles are also available for smaller moments. They work well if you want to try a ritual without a big commitment.
A quick tip helps here. Think about your intention before you shop, since choosing a candle feels easier with a clear goal in mind.
Gift shoppers should take note too. A candle with crystals baked right in makes a far more interesting present than another scented jar from the mall.
Just don’t be surprised if you leave with more than one. Choosing a single intention can be oddly hard when they all sound appealing.
Your Bathroom Routine Is About To Get Way More Mystical
Shower melts sound like a dessert, but they belong in your morning routine. They sit right alongside bath salts and body oils at Houss Freya.
The shop treats self-care as part of spiritual practice. That means everyday habits like bathing can carry a little extra meaning.
Bath salts turn a simple soak into a slower, calmer ritual. Body oils and anointing oils offer another way to bring intention into your day.
Cleansing sprays round out the collection nicely. They’re handy for refreshing a room when you want a fresh start without lighting anything.
Loose incense is another option worth checking out. It suits evening meditation or quiet time after a long day.
Here’s some practical advice for beginners. Start with one product that fits a habit you already have, like showering or reading before bed.
Small changes are easier to stick with than full ceremonies. A shower melt takes no extra time but can still make a routine feel special.
Many of these products are made in-house too. That handmade quality connects them to the same recipes behind the famous candles.
Meet The Creatrix Behind All That Magic
Daysi De Dios doesn’t call herself just the owner. Her title is creatrix, and it fits someone who builds a whole world from her own recipes.
She brings more than a decade of experience to her craft. That’s a long time to refine candles, oils, and ritual tools.
Her roots run even deeper. Daysi comes from a lineage of curanderas and shamans grounded in Mesoamerican culture.
That heritage shapes the shop’s approach. Natural elements and ancestral magic guide how each offering is created and curated.
Knowing the story behind a product changes how it feels to use it. A candle stops being decor and becomes part of a tradition.
The shop also aims to be a safe, inclusive sanctuary. People at any point in their spiritual journey are welcome to explore here.
That openness matters, especially for newcomers. Asking questions is part of the process, so there’s no need to arrive as an expert.
Houss Freya Apothecary reflects its founder in every corner. The history of the building meets the history of a family tradition, which is a pretty powerful pairing.
Curious About Your Future? The Readers Are Ready
Tarot is only one option on the menu of mysteries. Houss Freya has a team of divination and healing practitioners offering several kinds of readings.
Mediumship readings focus on connecting with spirit. Akashic records readings explore a different path, often tied to the soul’s journey.
Having choices is helpful. You can pick the style that matches the questions on your mind.
Prices can vary depending on the type of reading and the practitioner. Asking at the shop is the easiest way to sort out details.
First-timers might feel a little nervous. That’s normal, and going in with an open mind usually makes the session more meaningful.
A simple tip can help. Jot down a question or two before your appointment so you don’t blank once the cards come out.
The setting adds to the moment too. Getting a reading inside a Victorian Gothic church from 1896 feels fittingly dramatic.
Readings also pair well with shopping afterward. Practitioners may suggest tools or practices, and the shelves are right there waiting.
A Limpia Might Be The Reset You Didn’t Know You Needed
Feeling stuck lately? A limpia is a traditional healing service meant to help release negative and stagnant energy.
The practice connects to the curandera traditions found in owner Daysi De Dios’s family lineage. That gives the service real cultural roots.
Limpias are a type of spiritual cleansing. The goal is to clear away the heavy stuff so you can move forward feeling lighter.
Think of it like decluttering, but for your energy instead of your closet. Nobody has to see the mess you’re leaving behind.
This service suits people going through big changes. A new job, a move, or a fresh season can all feel like good moments for a reset.
Respect goes a long way here. Learning a bit about the tradition beforehand makes the experience richer and more thoughtful.
Healing services are part of what makes Houss Freya more than a store. The shop works as a wellness space, not only a place to buy things.
Ask the staff about booking details when you visit. They can explain what to expect and help you decide if it’s right for you.
The Lower Level Is Where The Learning Happens
Shopping happens upstairs, but growth happens downstairs. The lower level of the old church serves as a space for classes, workshops, gatherings, and ceremonies.
That room expands Houss Freya into a true personal and spiritual wellness center. It’s where curious minds turn into practicing ones.
Workshops have covered topics like crystal healing and ancestral work. Intro to mediumship classes have appeared on the schedule too.
A Reiki certification has been offered in the past as well. Events change over time, so checking the current calendar is smart.
Classes are a great entry point for beginners. Learning alongside others feels less intimidating than figuring everything out alone.
They also build community. Meeting people with similar interests can turn one class into a regular habit.
Here’s a practical tip. Popular workshops may fill up, so signing up early keeps you from missing out.
The idea of gathering in a church basement isn’t new. Doing it with crystals and candles, though, gives the tradition a fresh New Jersey twist.
Kids And Small Makers Get Their Moment Too
Houss Freya makes room for younger visitors, too. The shop has hosted Kids Meditation sessions and Kids’ Day events featuring crystals and creative activities.
Family-friendly events make the shop welcoming beyond adults. Kids get a gentle introduction to calm, focus, and a bit of sparkle.
Meditation for kids is a smart skill to build early. A few quiet minutes can help young minds handle busy school days.
The shop also supports other small businesses. Its Consigner Coven showcases handmade goods from local creators and makers.
That means shelves feature more than the house brand. You’ll find work from other independent artists mixed into the collection.
Supporting small makers keeps money in the community. It also means you’ll spot items that aren’t sold in big chain stores.
Gift shopping gets easier with that variety. Jewelry, books, decks, and handmade goods all offer fresh ideas.
Families should keep an eye on seasonal events. Holiday happenings come and go, and nobody wants to miss a crystal egg hunt.
Plan Your Trip Around These Hours, Not On A Monday
Mondays are the one day the magic rests. Houss Freya Apothecary stays closed that day, so plan accordingly.
You’ll find it at 205 Glenridge Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042. The spot sits in downtown Montclair, which makes it easy to pair with other errands.
Hours run most days of the week. Thursdays open later at noon and stay open until 8 PM, which helps after-work visitors.
Fridays run until 7 PM. Sundays close a bit earlier at 5 PM, so weekend shoppers should plan a little ahead.
Can’t make the drive? An online shop offers shipping, in-store pickup, and local delivery for added convenience.
Some handmade items even ship internationally through the shop’s Etsy store. That’s handy for gifts to friends far away.
Still, the in-person visit is hard to beat. Shopping inside an 1896 church is part of the whole appeal.
New Jersey has plenty of shops, but few combine history and mystery like this one. Light a candle for good parking and enjoy the trip.
