Pagan Coffee in Auburn, New York

The newest form of coffee shop in Auburn, NY is not a national chain or even the new "free" coffee house out on Washington, Terra Bite. Instead, the newest shop that has popped up is a Pagan run café called "The Witches Brew". They are really a one stop coffee shop. Patrons can enjoy a cup of fresh brewed coffee with a mouthwatering treat, purchase herbs and jewelry, stay and have lunch, and even have a tarot reading done.

The shop has been open since October 13, 2005 but only recent began to catch the public eye when a controversial column was written in The Citizen newspaper about Wicca. From that point on they were seeing people left and right, whether it was out of curiosity or support.

The coffee shop, which is owned by Sally Toth and Nancy Heath, offers a wide variety of activities, beverages, food, and items for purchase. Toth, who purchases all local ingredients daily to use in her desserts, can be found making a wide variety of confections such as white chocolate hazelnut pie with Splenda. She also makes a variety of other items with various different sweeteners and sugars to give everyone an option for a daytime treat. They also serve breads and bagels, but do not make these items themselves. Instead they rely on the local bakery to furnish them with baked goods daily.

At the front counter, they have a glass display set so customers can purchase such items as necklaces, pendants, rings, candles, and herbs. They also have three tarot card readers that do readings for patrons almost daily. Besides tarot readings they also offer astrology and reiki on a regular basis.

If tarot, astrology, or reiki isn't for you then they also have an open mic night on the first Saturday of each month. They do not put constrictions on what the performer can do, so they often have poets, comedians, amateur comedians, and musicians lining up to perform on the small wooden stage.

Toth and Heath have known each other since the fifth grade. They came up with the name "The Witches Brew" not because of Paganism, but because of a coffee with that same name. The coffee that inspired their coffee shop is a very rich tasting French roast, and is known to make you "fly" once drinking it.

The shop is not solely for those of the Pagan persuasion, however. "We're not a Wiccan cafe; we're here for anyone," said Toth. Even though the shop invites all to enter, it doesn't necessarily mean that everyone that does enter will do so without prejudice. "We don't turn anyone away, regardless of sex or beliefs - unless you bring in an attitude," Heath said. "I've only had to escort a few people out."

So if you are ever in the Auburn, NY area and are looking for a nice, relaxing, alternative style coffee shop, then make sure you "stop in for a spell" at "The Witches Brew". Besides, what's better than promoting religious tolerance, entertainment, and delicious treats with a splash or two of freshly brewed coffee?

*Sources*

-The Citizen online. URL: http://www.auburnpub.com/articles/2007/02/21/news/lake_life/lakelife01.txt. Wilcox, David. (2007 Feb 21).