Several years ago, Carol Ann Peterson, owner of The Crystal Sunflower in the Freemason District, was in deep meditation when a vision came to her.
A civilian geologist with the federal government by day, Peterson had a “dream” about what she wanted to manifest into her life at the start of 2009.
“I saw this beautiful apothecary Harry Potter-style store and I thought, ‘well, that would be rather interesting.’”
Getting Metaphysical on Freemason
The real-life result of this vision is a charming shop among the cobblestones of Botetourt St. near Cure Coffeehouse. Here, customers can align with their higher self “using vibrational sound therapy, nature’s elements and other metaphysical wares to connect deeply” with their intuition while enhancing their wellness journey.
What began as a small outpost along Bute St. expanded during the height of COVID offering tarot readings, herbs, teas, candles, journals, books, crystals and other tools for those seeking higher meaning in their lives.
“I never thought I would do anything to bring it to fruition,” Peterson says, “But that’s the thing about dreams. When they don’t leave you, they want to be manifested … and it didn’t leave me.”
Inside, the store is divided into four sections: water (teas, aromatherapy, essential oils), fire (candles) earth (crystals and minerals) and air (incense). Interspersed among these sections are handmade journals, banned books and home decor. The shop may be small, but the sections are packed with enough treasures to encourage repeat visits.
Peterson, whose day job involves managing petroleum compliance for the entire Mid-Atlantic region, says living between two worlds is just fine with her.
“It’s a good balance. I’m between the science side and the ‘woo woo’ side,” she says. “Science is catching up to the things we know are beneficial like meditation, journaling and self-care.”
Visitors can enjoy regular events such as readings, incense making, vision board creation and sound bath meditations, and the shop is open to everyone – not just those of the New Age bent, Peterson emphasizes.
“I love to see people bringing their children here and we’re starting to see more men come in here. We are learning that men need healing, too,” she says. “This place is for people who need to connect with themselves and their spirituality. It’s really an all-inclusive store and we try to make everyone feel welcome.”
The Crystal Sunflower is at 507 ½ Botetourt St. and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Follow the shop on Instagram.
