Universal Botanica

I went in for a reading with Johnny at the suggestion of a friend. I’ve had readings before and only once before was I left speechless. That was until I had one with Johnny. He was on point with everything and helped me to see a solution that had eluded me. His advice worked and I’m in a much happier space. His energy is strong and very pleasant.
The woman behind the counter was very nice as well, she also had great energy. There is A LOT in this Botanica. Anything you need, they have. I highly recommend this place. I live in The Bronx and I would have no problem taking the 2 trains to go back.

Love this place!

I stopped in today after a practitioner suggested I clean my house. I was delighted to find that they also sold crystals at a wonderful price points.
The woman behind the register was so pleasant and the energy was lovely. I’m new on this journey and will definitely be returning here. I felt welcomed and got what I needed.

I highly recommend this establishment. The staff was polite and well educated on the products. Great find in Park Slope. The owner was pleasant and made sure we walked away happy.

I recommend this place highly. Johnny is very accurate with his readings and never over charges. They carry a wide variety of herbs, oils, crystals, statues, soaps, insenses… everything you can think of.

I’ve been here on and off over the years for candles and herbs. Last fall I found myself in a serious life challenge and decided to get a reading done. It was one of the most illuminating things I’ve ever taken part in in my life. John is an unusually gifted reader and his reading allowed me an understanding of my situation which I could not have come to on my own. Extraordinary.

I am not sure what happened during my experience here, but it was very bad and really off-​putting. I definitely won’t be returning. I came up to the Slope to see this place based on reviews but there were no «shelves loaded with herbs» and there was a weird energy here that made me feel uncomfortable doing something that is natural to me.
I’m used to botanica proprietors giving me a brief skeptical eye when I walk in. I don’t look like your «typical» botanica customer, but as soon as I start reading off my grocery list of specific oils, baths, candles, and herbs, folks understand that I know what I’m talking about and are delighted to help me. I spend a lot of money, don’t ask annoying amateur questions, and I leave. I’m an easy and loyal customer, so don’t make it hard for me.
But Universal Botanica made a normal experience really hard for me, and I think it’s because it was an «off day» where even the woman at the store didn’t quite know what I was talking about.
I asked for very specific well-​known herbs and ingredients for luck and steady work, and this salesperson couldn’t even find the steady work/​prosperity oil in the vanity case — I had to point it out for her. She didn’t know what gravel root was, or John the Conquerer, or lodestones, devil’s shoestring, or even rue. I’ve never been in a botanica where they don’t stock ruta. After I asked for a particular thing, this woman looked at me like I was an idiot and said, «HUH? WHAT??» She spoke fluent English, so there was not a problem with anything like that, though I used all the various translations of the names/​nicknames for these ingredients that I knew, hoping to jog her memory. She seemed really poorly informed, and even when I asked for Nag Champa incense on a lark (they sell Nag Champa soap), she either had no idea what I was talking about or was acting like she had no idea what I was talking about. It was messed up.
I’m starting to think she didn’t *want* to sell me anything. Another client came in, asked for an herb in Spanish, and the woman gave him some out of a fridge. When I tried to peer into the fridge to see if something I needed was in there, she shut the door and asked if I was ready to check out yet.
Look, I know I present like a white girl wearing business casual clothes (cause some workplaces have a dress code — and no I don’t like wearing this stuff either), but I’m trying to give you money here, lady, and I’ve been going to botanicas for a decade now. I’m not some dilettante who read too much Harry Potter and watched The Craft that one time. Sounds typical but: You Don’t Know My Life!
I ended up buying a few generic candles and passed on the oil, which was diluted with too much artificial fragrance and not worth the price. Stick to Justo Botanica in East Harlem or Lucky Mojo if you want amazing customer service and literally all of Those Things You Need.

As authentic as it gets when it comes to mystical shops! Outside there are shelves loaded with healing herbs and plants that are often difficult to find elsewhere (Rue, mugwort etc)
Inside — every type of candle you can think of, herbal baths, and shamanic/​mystical supplies galore ! Johnny the owner is very kind and always helpful to guide you in your purchases. I keep meaning to get a reading from him… one of these days!

I absolutely LOVE this place. Filled with great, positive vibes, the Universal Botanica is a sweet spot to get candles, herbs, crystals, and general advice on how to maintain a good spiritual balance in your life. Also, if you have a little extra time, be sure to schedule a reading with the owner. He rules.